The phenomenon that is happening on the beaches of Rio has an explanation
Since mid-June, the sea in Rio de Janeiro has been breathtaking. The transparent waters and turquoise hues, generally associated with the Caribbean, are the scenery that locals and tourists find on the city’s waterfront. The crystalline sea has also allowed us to see more fish and marine animals, such as turtles.
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“When I saw it, it was really impressive. No waves, which is very rare. The beaches of Barra da Tijuca, Ipanema, are exposed to strong waves. Any wind in the South Atlantic brings a wave, but there were none. The sea was crystal clear, a spectacle,” said Flavia Lins de Barros, professor of the Department of Geography at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).
But why are the waters of Rio de Janeiro so transparent? How does this happen? Or Earth I spoke to the specialist to understand the phenomenon. Look!
What is the phenomenon of clear water?
The phenomenon of transparent waters is a combination of dry climate and lack of rain, the sea without waves and the elements of rivers that reach the sea. With the combination of these factors at the right point, the water becomes more crystalline.
How and why does it happen?
According to the teacher, the suspended elements – earth, garbage, sewage, mud, among others – are what will make the water darker and will be carried to the sea by rivers and rain. Since it hasn’t rained much, these materials end up arriving less and the water becomes clearer.
“We have already reached winter, which is a drier period. Also this year is a little more atypical, it rains even less. So this suspended material, which will arrive through the rivers, ends up not arriving”, says Flavia.
Another important factor for transparency is the waves. With few cold fronts and little rain, the sea is very calm and without waves.
“The wave also suspends the sediments on the bottom. If there is no wave, the sea remains without suspended particles, without sand that forms this suspension, and the water becomes even more crystalline,” he adds.
Is the phenomenon permanent or not?
The phenomenon of clear water is not permanent. The expert explains that if any of the factors that lead to this change – dry weather, rain, waves and suspended elements – the waters will return to being darker.
The professor stresses, however, that darker waters are not necessarily an indicator of pollution.
“They could simply be elements of nature, specific to that place,” he adds.
Transparent Water Phenomenon in Rio
According to Flavia, the combination of all these factors mentioned contributes to making the waters of Rio de Janeiro more crystalline.
In the case of Praia do Flamengo, he also points out that the Carioca River, which used to flow there, is now being diverted to its underwater outlet.
“This river no longer throws harmful substances directly onto the beach. Therefore, it is now possible to bathe in Praia do Flamengo in an acceptable way,” he says.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
