milky sea

English

Noun

milky sea (plural milky seas)

1. (nautical) A bioluminescent phenomenon observable on moonless nights, caused by luminous plankton and bacteria, where the sea becomes milky white with a slight glow allowing one to see one's ship. The sea shines from horizon to horizon like a field of fresh snow (when only the surface layers shine) or a cloud (when deeper layers also shine). The phenomenon occurs most often in the Indian Ocean and off Indonesia; and does not require disruption to start shining.

   Synonym: milky seas

Coordinate terms

• mareel (“a bioluminescent phenomenon that shines green, found off the Shetlands”)

See also

• sea sparkle