Uploaded May 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
In October 2022, a Red Tide at Scripps Pier provided some gnarly bioluminescent waves. UC San Diego photographer Erik Jepsen captured some clips of surfers enjoying the natural phenomenon. But what causes this natural light show? 🏄🌊
đź”· Dinoflagellates use bioluminescence as a predator avoidance behavior. When these tiny, single-celled phytoplankton are agitated by waves or potential predators, they emit the neon blue glow at night.
🔴 On sunny days, the organisms swim toward the surface where they concentrate, resulting in the intensified coloration of the water—and the reason for the term “red tide.”
🔬 Red tides of Lingulodinium polyedra—a dinoflagellate species well known for its bioluminescent displays—have been monitored by Scripps scientists since the early 1900s by taking water samples.
🌎 Red tide events are on the rise across the globe. More research is needed to understand the factors that lead to red tides.
In October 2022, a Red Tide at Scripps Pier provided some gnarly bioluminescent waves. UC San Diego photographer Erik Jepsen captured some clips of surfers enjoying the natural phenomenon. But what causes this natural light show? 🏄🌊
đź”· Dinoflagellates use bioluminescence as a predator avoidance behavior. When these tiny, single-celled phytoplankton are agitated by waves or potential predators, they emit the neon blue glow at night.
🔴 On sunny days, the organisms swim toward the surface where they concentrate, resulting in the intensified coloration of the water—and the reason for the term “red tide.”
🔬 Red tides of Lingulodinium polyedra—a dinoflagellate species well known for its bioluminescent displays—have been monitored by Scripps scientists since the early 1900s by taking water samples.
🌎 Red tide events are on the rise across the globe. More research is needed to understand the factors that lead to red tides.
