Is It Safe to Touch? Australian Beach Covered in 'Pure White Foam'

Sea Foam Forms Along Southeastern Coast of Australia
Phenomenon Occurs as Tropical Cyclone Alfred Makes Landfall, Accompanied by Strong Winds and Heavy Rain
Generally Harmless to Humans, but May Contain Pollutants

On the 6th (local time), people are playing by jumping into sea foam at Coolangatta Beach on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Photo by AFP, Yonhap News.

Recently, the southeastern coast of Australia was covered in white foam as if a bath additive had been poured into the sea. This was confirmed to be the aftermath of a tropical cyclone.

On the 10th (local time), foreign media including Australia's ABC and AP reported that sea foam had formed along the coastal areas from southeastern Queensland to northern New South Wales (NSW).

Currently, on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, numerous videos and photos are being posted showing abundant white foam rolling, and residents and tourists swimming through thick foam.

Sea foam formed under the influence of tropical cyclone Alfred in the southeastern coastal region of Australia. TikTok 'sheridanpowerr'

This phenomenon is known to have occurred as tropical cyclone 'Alfred' made landfall in southeastern Australia. The seawater, mixed with salt, proteins, fats, and decayed algae, was agitated by strong winds, creating the foam. The sea foam formed along the coastal areas from southeastern Queensland to northern New South Wales.

According to foreign media, on the evening of the 8th, Category 2 cyclone Alfred made landfall north of Brisbane. The cyclone, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain, vigorously stirred seawater in major coastal areas such as Brisbane and the Gold Coast, mixing salt and proteins to generate large amounts of sea foam. When organic matter produced by decayed algae increases in the sea, the viscosity of seawater rises, and when waves break in this state, air becomes trapped underwater, creating foam.

Sea foam is a natural phenomenon also observed in countries like the United States and Spain and is generally considered not harmful to humans. However, experts advise against unnecessary contact with the foam these days, as it may contain pollutants such as heavy metals.