NC Beaches Are Now Transforming Into The Caribbean With Dreamy Clear Blue and Turquoise Waters

By
Charlotte Stories
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169643

A couple weeks ago we reported on the incredible transformation of the waters along the Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach turning into an enchanting shade of blue. This week, most of the coastline from Nags Head down to Wilmington are experiencing a similarly magical development.

Typically, around this time of year, Atlantic coastal waters are a nasty brown color due to the churned up sediment, phytoplankton, and pollution floating closer to the surface. These microorganisms, along with the sediment, refract light differently, making the water appear “dirty” or brownish. This effect is well documented in a study by NASA’s Ocean Biology Processing Group, which explains how the scattering and absorption of sunlight by suspended particles and phytoplankton can influence the color of the water.

This year, however, the Atlantic Ocean has been surprisingly calm with a lack of tropical storms or hurricanes which usually stir up the waters, and the light offshore winds have further assisted in letting the sediment settle near the ocean floor. This has resulted in the clear, beautiful, blue waters that are currently mesmerizing locals and visitors alike.

The Town of Emerald Isle just posted this stunning aerial shot of the magical blue waters:

Here are some more shots of the dreamy blue waters of the NC coast:

 

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A post shared by Kathleen Ahl (@kathleen_ahl)

 

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A post shared by kl;) (@karleevlynch)

 

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A post shared by Jessica Fuller (@jessica_fuller_87)

The blue hue is actually the ocean’s natural color, as explained by research from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Ocean water appears blue because water molecules absorb colors in the red part of the light spectrum and reflect colors in the blue part of the spectrum. This is due to water’s selective absorption and scattering of sunlight, a phenomenon often referred to as Rayleigh scattering.

Combined with the reflection of sunlight, which can add a bluer tint, the current state of the NC beaches boasting an especially rich blue look. It’s reminiscent of the clear waters found in tropical island destinations, with visibility extending to about 3-5 feet deep.

This breathtaking spectacle serves as a reminder of the natural beauty of our oceans when conditions allow for it.

Enjoy it while it lasts!