Posted by Max Bottomtime on March 14, 2005 at 19:39:06:
In Reply to: Question about water clarity at beaches in Southern California posted by Kylecawaza on March 14, 2005 at 19:20:04:
In the Spring we have a plankton bloom that reduces visibility until late Summer/early Fall. Normally, from August through Winter we can have excellent conditions as long as there is a minimal amount of wave action. Storms not only spill sediments from rivers and storm drains into the ocean, but the wave action stirs up the mix. I have seen times when we have had well over forty feet visibility at beaches that average ten to fifteen feet most of the year. Beaches with sand and rocky bottom terrains will have better vis than those with silty bottoms. Also, beaches within protected coves stand a better chance at good visibility that those open to the prevailing swell direction. Another time the vis improves is during high pressure Santana conditions. The wind blows offshore, pushing the waves back and allowing the colder, cleaner water to rise from the depths and replace the surface water.