Listen up, beachgoers! If the water is calling your name, read this article before you answer it. A 5,000-mile-long seaweed blob is on its way to the Gulf Coast - it's already starting to wash up on some Florida beaches! The mass could impact the Texas coastline soon, so don't be surprised if you see more seaweed on the beach than usual (particularly in the Galveston area). Here's everything you need to know about this seaweed blob coming to Texas.
If you plan on visiting the beach soon, there is something you should know first.
A seaweed blob larger than the entire U.S. is slated to impact the Texas coast, bringing with it a host of potential problems.
The blob is part of the same mass that has already begun washing ashore in Florida.
Measuring over 5,000 miles long and weighing in at more than 10 million tons, the seaweed is nothing Texas beaches haven't seen before - but the sheer amount of this particular mass is unprecedented.
Made up of Sargassum -a type of seaweed that typically washes ashore on coastal beaches during the summer - the seaweed blob isn't all bad news.
Sargassum actually serves an important ecological purpose, as it strengthens sand dunes and provides a habitat for certain marine animals.
As with most things in life, however, Sargassum (this much of it, at least) has its downsides.
When the seaweed begins to degrade, it releases a chemical compound called hydrogen sulfide. Not only does this compound exude an odor akin to that of rotten eggs, but it can also be toxic to breathe in.
Furthermore, Sargassum prevents sea turtles from being able to lay their eggs in the sand.
This leads to a decline in the sea turtle population - a tragedy, especially considering many sea turtle species are endangered.
If you're wondering what caused such a large seaweed blob to form, scientists blame a nutrient imbalance.
Too much nitrogen and too little phosphorous, to be exact, is likely responsible. For now, until a solution is found, the seaweed must be managed by extensive tracking and the cleaning up of river systems.
What do you think about this seaweed blob coming to Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don't let this stop you from visiting Galveston, however. The city is full of historic charm and family-friendly attractions, and it's worth a trip any time of year.
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