A huge “veil of rot” is moving towards Florida – it can be seen even from space

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"Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt" is a giant kelp bloom that stretches from the coast of West Africa all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The researchers warn that it is the most massive seaweed bloom in the world, and therefore it can be seen even in pictures from space, according to Science Alert.

As a rule, seaweeds are quite harmless and harmless and even have some advantages, for example, they provide the necessary conditions for the existence of fish, and also absorb carbon dioxide. However, Sargassum covers an area almost twice the width of the United States and can cause irreparable damage to beaches as ocean currents relentlessly push it towards land.

This blanket of rotten seaweed is known to cover a record-breaking area 8,047 kilometers and weighs about 20 million tons.

Scientists believe it could cause problems for beaches in Florida and Mexico.

The flowering of the Sargasso Belt has been worrying scientists for the past decade, but what is happening this year — even more disturbing. According to Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute research professor Brian LaPoint, this year's bloom is so large it can be seen from space, and what scientists see on satellite imagery, alas, “does not bode well for the beach season.” ;.

LaPointe has been studying Sargassum for almost four decades, but he has never seen a “rotten cover” before. on such a scale. Satellite images show that Florida beaches are already covered in algae, although this usually does not occur until May. In addition, the images indicate that a large concentration of Sargasso on the beaches of Mexico will be observed already this week.

Researchers note that the negative consequences of such a massive bloom of brown algae are very diverse and can lead to a number of consequences, including: destruction of coastal ecosystems; suffocation of corals; harm wildlife; threaten infrastructure; worsen the quality of water and air.

However, this is not all, the researchers also note that the local tourism business is also suffering, because the sargassum, thrown ashore, dies and rots, as a result, the beaches are flooded with “distinct the smell of rotten eggs, which, alas, does not attract tourists. As a result, local hotels are forced to spend millions each year to clear the beaches of brown algae and relocate them elsewhere.

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