The 8,850 km ‘Brown Snake’ Growing Unchecked For 15 Years From Africa To Mexico; Space Sees Horror | World News
Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt: Scientists are worried by a striking phenomenon in the world oceans. A brown algae belt extends from the Atlantic Ocean to about 8,850 km from the Gulf of Mexico. The so -called large Atlantic Sargassum Belt (GASB) weighs 37.5 million tons and can be seen even from space.
The belt threatens both sea ecosystems and human life. The first major appearance took place in 2011. Since then, its size has doubled every year. The width is now rival to the North American continent.
What is Sargassum; Why is it dangerous?
Add Zee News as a preferred resource
Sargassum once a seaweed limited to the Sargasso Sea. It provides natural habitat for small sea organisms and fish while dragging on the ocean surface. The problem emerged when it started to go beyond traditional boundaries.
Hot and nutrient -rich waters are now increasing rapid growth. More than agricultural flow, sewage and industrial discharge enters nitrogen and phosphorus rivers and flows into the ocean.
Scientific warning
Research from the Port Branch Occupation Institute of Florida Atlantic University shows that the nitrogen content in Sargassum increased by 55% between 1980-2020. Nitrogen-phosphorus ratio increased by 50%. Algae are now growing faster than ever.
The Amazon River contributes to the greatest share of nutrients. Ocean currents, such as the Gulf flow and cycle current, move the algae from Atlantic to Mexico, constantly forms a brown strip.
Impact on Sea Life
The Sargassum generation creates a great threat to the ocean life. Sunlight cannot penetrate the accumulation of algae and stop photosynthesis in coral reefs. Carbon sequestration by oceans also suffers.
The separation of Sargassum releases hydrogen sulfur, methane and other greenhouse gases by accelerating climate change.
When the moss reaches the coastline, bad odors and toxic gases pos health risks for nearby populations.
ECONOMIC EFFECTS
Sargassum accumulation on the coast disrupts tourism and stops fishing operations. Cleaning of algae costs millions of dollars. In 1991, Florida’s coast experienced such a great accumulation that a nuclear power plant should be temporarily closed. This shows that Sargassum is not only a seaweed but a serious environmental and economic crisis.
Growth conditions
Rising ocean temperatures provide an ideal environment for the growth of Sargassum. Changes in wind patterns and ocean currents may allow to spread further north.
If any action is not taken soon, this ‘Sargassum Monster’ may swallow the entire Caribbean and the US coastline in the coming years.
