Science in action on our shores

Shell and a Bit of Sea Foam

Shell and a Bit of Sea FoamBoth halves of a clamshell presented on the sand by the surf with a bit of sea foam. The sea foam consists of dissolved salts, proteins, fats, dead algae, and nitrates beaten to a froth in the surf.

Clamshell and a Side of Sea Foam

Clamshell and a Side of Sea FoamClamshell washed up on Narragansett Beach with sea foam left behind

Sea foam is a color depicted as greenish-blue with hints of white. That is the romanticized version of the phenomena. In almost universal experience around the globe, sea foam, ocean foam, beach foam, or my favorite, spume is light brown and sticky.

In point of fact, sea foam is not pleasant. The substance occurs when seawater agitates with wind and waves. Then dissolved organic matter (proteins, fats, lignans, and lipids) from the breakdown of algal blooms. Sometimes, nitrates (from fertilizers and soaps) along with oils can factor into the mix (all coming from runoff).

The biology, chemistry, and physics of these compounds mix and combine in the churn of seawater. Altogether, the compounds act as surfactants or foaming agents. The turbulence of the water traps air, forming bubbles. These bubbles persist and stick together through surface tension forming foam. Each of these shells photographs has a bit of sea foam clinging to them.

Served Up by the Surf

Served Up by the SurfSeaweed stained and salter clam shell propped up on a stone and a bed of red seaweed and served with the bubbling remains of ocean surf.

Etched by Sand

Etched by SandClam shell in the sand. The color is vibrant but tempered by ample scratches in the shell. A bit of sea foam from the surf is on the edge where the shell meets the sand.

Scratched by Sand

Scratched by SandClam shell in the sand. The color is vibrant but tempered by ample scratches in the shell. A bit of sea foam from the surf is on the edge where the shell meets the sand.

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