Residents and tourists along Myrtle Beach and the Carolina Grand Strand are witnessing an unusual and spectacular sight—the ocean has turned an enchanting shade of Caribbean blue. This rare phenomenon has sparked a flurry of social media posts.
Typically, Myrtle Beach waters appear brown this time of year due to churned-up sediment, phytoplankton, and particles from local sewage leaks floating closer to the surface. These factors cause the water to look “dirty” or brownish. According to NASA‘s Ocean Biology Processing Group, the scattering and absorption of sunlight by suspended particles and phytoplankton significantly influence the water’s color.
This year, however, the Atlantic Ocean has remained unusually calm, with no tropical storms or hurricanes to stir up the waters. Additionally, light offshore winds have allowed sediment to settle near the ocean floor. As a result, locals and visitors are mesmerized by the clear, beautiful blue waters.
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Have you witnessed the Caribbean in Myrtle Beach yet?
