Seven Bizarre And Beautiful Natural Phenomena

Published August 11, 2011
Updated April 24, 2017

Red Tides

Red Tide
Red Tides
Tide Red
Tides Red
Seven Bizarre And Beautiful Natural Phenomena
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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

Naga Fireballs
Fireballs Naga
Beung Fai Phraya Nag Ball
Naga Fireball
Seven Bizarre And Beautiful Natural Phenomena
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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.


If you enjoyed reading about the world's most beautiful natural phenomena, be sure to read about the most mind-blowing natural phenomena and the world's most bizarre landscapes!

author
All That's Interesting
author
A New York-based publisher established in 2010, All That's Interesting brings together subject-level experts in history, true crime, and science to share stories that illuminate our world.
editor
John Kuroski
editor
John Kuroski is the editorial director of All That's Interesting. He graduated from New York University with a degree in history, earning a place in the Phi Alpha Theta honor society for history students. An editor at All That's Interesting since 2015, his areas of interest include modern history and true crime.