Ocean in Myrtle Beach a beautiful blue. Why is it like that and when will we see it again?
Myrtle Beach residents and visitors may have noticed this month that the ocean water has been a gorgeous teal color — a much different color than the Atlantic Ocean usually is this time of year.
In July, the Atlantic Ocean took on a bluer color that surprised residents and vacationers as the waters are usually a muddy brown. There were many online posts and TikTok videos that showcased people’s awe, including one TikToker who said, “been here 50 times, never seen it like this,” according to The Sun News.
Myrtle Beach doesn’t usually have waters this color until March, according to WMBF Chief Meteorologist Jamie Arnold.
A lack of recent storms has allowed the sediment in the water to settle on the bottom, making the color of the ocean to be blue. Ocean water naturally appears blue because the water absorbs red light waves while blue light waves bounces off the water, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kine.
Water can appear green when there is plankton since plankton absorbs red and blue light waves. When the water has heavy waves, it could appear brown as the waves mix up the sediment in the water.
Myrtle Beach gets the least precipitation in April, May and November, meaning the water will likely be calmer these months as there are fewer storms, according to Weather and Climate.
That could mean those coming to the Myrtle Beach area for spring break may see the water the blue color similar to last year’s waters.
