Red Tides
Also known as the algal bloom, the Red Tide is the rapid accumulation of estuarine, marine, or freshwater algae in a water column, which tints the water red.
When the algae, or phytoplankton, accumulate in such a manner, they form dense clouds near the water’s surface. Since the phytoplankton is usually brown, red and green, the water, naturally, reflects this color on the surface.
Naga Fireballs
The Naga fireballs are a natural, inexplicable phenomenon witnessed along the Mekong River, in Thailand and Laos. They refer to the glowing, reddish balls, which vary in size and rise from the water into the air, before disappearing.
The bizarre event takes place every October during the full moon. It is estimated that between tens and thousands of fireballs shoot from the river, some reaching a hundred meters in height.
Though many scientists have attempted to explain the phenomenon (commonly as a spontaneous ignition of gasses from the river), there is no substantial evidence to support their theories. Instead, the legend developed by locals – involving a river-haunting serpent, Naga, who shoots fireballs to celebrate the end of Buddhist lent – has taken hold.
An annual festival is held to celebrate the Naga fireballs, one of the most beautiful natural phenomena on the planet.
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