WHY IS DENMARK’S BUBBLING REEF UNIQUE?

A dip in the waters in the Hirsholm islets off the northern shores of Denmark is like diving into a giant aquarium. Amidst the dazzling colours of its vibrant marine life, tiny bubbles from the seabed soar to the surface like clear blobs. The unique phenomenon is caused by the presence of methane gas. The gas was probably formed due to the microbial decomposition of plants deposited thousands of years ago under the sea. As the gas seeped up through funnels in the floor, chemical reaction with underwater microbes hardened the sand particles into sandstone structures. Water currents washed away the surrounding loose sand, leaving behind solid stone columns, arches and slabs, which became thriving hubs of plant and animal life. The methane constantly bubbles out through vents in these columns, resembling air bubbles in a fish tank. The site is an important centre of marine biology.

Picture Credit : Google 

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