Is it air compressed into the water by the force of the wave crashing? Or is it something to do with the salt in the ocean? Crashed waves in the ocean seem to be far more bubbly and frothy than what you’d expect in fresh water.
my wag is it’s caused by dead and decaying ‘stuff’ in the water. fresh whater gets it sometimes too when it’s stagnant.
I don’t know about that. Sea water can be clean and clear as crystal, but still froth in surf.
I suspect its partly the air being compressed into the water, and then released, but partly something to do with sea water. Sea water is more frothy than usual after its been churned by a wave, but then after the wave has moved on or dissipated, the water gradually releases the air, and it becomes less frothy.
But, as we both agree, the water is much more prone to frothiness than fresh water.
Actually you’re both right. The bubbles are caused by the churning of the waves, but the foam itself is caused by proteins from dissolved organic waste that “stick” to the bubbles. The molecules of the protein have one end that is chemically attracted to water and one that is attracted to air (at least, that’s how it was explained to me- I’m no chemist). Because of this, each bubble gains a layer of protein while its underwater and when all the bubbles come to the surface they make a funky foam instead of just breaking. There is even a type of filter used on saltwater aquariums called a protein skimmer that takes advantage of this. The reason you see this effect less in freshwater has something to do with the fact that its not as dense as saltwater.