Scientists studying the ocean are taking samples of water from the Pacific Ocean to see how the Los Angeles flames have affected the sea life off the coast of California.
What’s going on?
Rasmus Swalethorp is one of several oceanographers who are taking samples for a month. The Washington Post said that from their boat, the team saw a large yellow cloud. It was smoke from the flames in Los Angeles that reached far away.
Swalethorp said, “It was like being out in a calm snowy day in the winter except it was not snowflakes, it was ash particles raining down on us.”
It sounds like a scene from a movie about the end of the world. Los Angeles was hit hard by the wildfires, which destroyed 40,000 acres and many houses. There were 27 deaths at least.
According to the experts, there is still a toxic mess to think about after the wildfires are out. Houses, cars, and consumer goods burned, leaving behind dangerous chemical residues in the air and dirt.
Why is it important to know how the LA fires affected sea life?
The bad news is that these conditions spread to the ocean. Toxins get into the water and threaten many marine species that live near California’s coast.
Joan Llort is a biogeochemical oceanographer who says that new study has been done on how wildfires affect sea life. National Geographic said that as the Earth warms and the climate becomes less stable, major wildfires, or “megafires,” happen more often. These fires happen more often, are harder to control, and are hotter.
Megafires are so strong that they can be felt all the way to the ocean. Copper, zinc, lead, and chlorine are thought to be among the poisons that will get into the water. These chemicals have already been found in coral areas nearby. The reef’s chemical levels have gone down, but it’s not clear what will happen in the long run.
There is a chance that the fires’ toxins and other effects could mess up sea food chains. Some species could become threatened, endangered, or even dead because of this.
What is being done about the weather along the coast?
As soon as Swalethorp’s team saw the yellow smoke, they started taking samples. They will keep a close eye on how the falling ash and chemicals affect sea life.
More megafires are likely, so this work is very important. Scientists and environmentalists can protect the environment and undo the effects of those actions if they know how they hurt wildlife.
People must follow the rules set by the U.S. Department of the Interior to stop more fires. This means putting out fires completely, not starting fires in wooded places, not driving on dry grass, and other things.
Trying to cut down on pollution will also help. The fires are caused by Earth’s rising temperature, so cooling the planet will make them less likely. You can help lower emissions and protect ocean life by voting for leaders who care about the environment and businesses that care about the environment.
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