PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — The Seaside Aquarium shared a fun and interesting tip for beachcombers this week after an “ocean burp” washed ashore near Seaside.
An “ocean burp,” is a beached field of debris made up of items that usually rest on the ocean floor. The debris is kicked up by a phenomenon known as upwelling. According to the Seaside Aquarium, upwelling is caused by winds driving cooler, denser, ocean water towards the surface, replacing the warmer surface water.
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“This juggling of water from the bottom of the ocean to the surface often lifts debris sitting on the seafloor into the water column,” the Seaside Aquarium said. “As the tide comes in, the debris is cast onto shore. At the Seaside Aquarium, we fondly refer to these events as ‘ocean burps.’”
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An animal carcass found in the debris field. (Photos courtesy of the Seaside Aquarium) -
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Ocean burps can offer a unique and interesting beachcombing experience. Inside the small debris fields, beachcombers can find shells, tree bark, large tubeworm casings, hermit crabs, algae, kelp, and the occasional skate egg casing.