What Causes a Strange Liquid to Glow Blue When Disturbed?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of a strange liquid that glows blue when disturbed, observed at a sea terminal. Participants explore potential explanations for this occurrence, considering both chemical and biological factors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes observing a light brown liquid that glows blue upon impact with objects, seeking identification and understanding of its chemical nature.
  • Another participant suggests the phenomenon could be related to 'sea sparkle', a term often associated with bioluminescence.
  • Some participants propose that the glowing could be due to bio-luminescent dinoflagellates, which are known to emit blue light when disturbed, though the relationship to the brown liquid remains uncertain.
  • There is a reiteration of the dinoflagellate hypothesis, indicating some agreement on this potential explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the cause of the glowing liquid, with some supporting the dinoflagellate explanation while others suggest alternative possibilities like 'sea sparkle'. The discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the identification of the liquid, as the observations are anecdotal and lack empirical evidence. The relationship between the brown liquid and the bioluminescent organisms is not clearly defined.

qitara
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Hi

A few days ago while at a sea terminal at night i noticed a strange liquid floating on top of the water, it has a light brown color and when it floats undisturbed by any thing falling on it like for example Sand, Stones, or any thing else, it is just a Light Brown liquid, the strange thing happens when you throw something at the liquid, as soon as what throw impacts the liquid it glows brightly blue for 2-4 seconds, and it does the same for what ever you throw at it. Unfortunately i didn't have the chance to video record it. Any idea of what type of chemical that is and what it is used for ?.

Thanks in Advance
 
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It might be a bio-luminescent dinoflagellate (small sea organism), in the water, in that area.
The brown stuff might be some collection of them or completely unrelated.
Dinoflagellates are known for glowing blue when disturbed (in waves, wakes, splashes etc.).
c92b9f93555fe4553dd425b443eb8bab.jpg
 
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BillTre said:
It might be a bio-luminescent dinoflagellate (small sea organism), in the water, in that area.

That was my thought as well.
 
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