Conditions:
Sea Temp 21.6
Outside Temp: 20
Visibility (Viz): Unreal
The last few days the visibility on our beloved swim has been nothing short of spectacular and this morning was no different; delighting all the happy swimmers who made it down to start their week off just right. Wobbies, Rays and Turtles were putting on quite the show!
You might be asking yourself what makes for good viz? Look no further.
“There are a myriad of factors that influence visibility, including weather, seasonal variation, bottom composition, water motion, and even the time of day. All of these affect either how much particulate matter is in the water (turbidity) or the amount of light that can penetrate underwater (absorption)”
“The most obvious factors affecting visibility are the composition of the bottom (also termed substrate) and water movement. Severe surface chop or wave action decreases the amount of light that can penetrate the water. Bottom composition, on the other hand, affects turbidity. As a rule, the finer the substrate, the easier it can be disturbed and become suspended in the water. The easier the substrate can be disrupted, the more likely water motion such as waves, current, or surge will affect visibility.”
Also overheard: “One thing that I have noticed, is that after a period of southerly winds we can get very good visibility. This is related to the Coriolis Effect”
Ok science lesson over, now for the fun part.
Best way to start the week:
Ian back on duty with the official reading:
Tony, Mark and Sheena leading the charge:
6:30 crew continues to grow – Must have heard about that Viz though
Simon looking the part:
Some more happy campers:
Smiles all round:
Bex, Heather and Keri – Bold faithful:
Mike raving about the Viz:
News of the Viz has spread:
Meg after her ‘Snorkel’ session:
Tim and Em loving it:
Congrats to all those ticking off their Corona Summer badges and triples! Keep it up and go for the Super Swimmer badge- Have a great week all
Your first time blogger:
Michael du Plessis
4 comments
Simon
18/01/2021 at 11:08 am
Well done Michael
I like a bit of science and seeing all the people you met.
Congrats on completing your first blog and publishing it before 9am – impressive.
A small request for next time can we have a little snippet about you? I enjoyed meeting you over coffee but I’m sure other readers would enjoy hearing a little more about you.
Anne H
18/01/2021 at 7:57 pm
Nice work, thanks for the viz detail
Edwina harrison
18/01/2021 at 10:31 pm
The photo bomber is a good jumper 👍
Lainey
19/01/2021 at 2:17 pm
Thanks for a great first blog Michael. It was interesting reading about the science behind the viz. Agree with Simon too would love to know a bit about you! Any relation to the amazing Henke du Plessis?