UCLA's 'Barbie Beach' Experiment: Tracking Ocean Currents with Pink Dye

Santa Monica Breakwater Study

• 🌊 The water off Santa Monica has turned pink as part of a scientific experiment by UCLA.
• 💡 The experiment focuses on the breakwater, constructed in 1934, which researchers believe is no longer effectively protecting the beach due to nearly a century of harsh weather.

Tracking Water Paths

• 🧪 A non-toxic, temporary pink fluorescent dye is being used to track the movement and path of ocean water.
• 🎯 This research aims to better understand how the breakwater affects water movement and wave impact on the beach.
• ⚠️ The findings could help explain why the water quality in the area is poor.

'Barbie Beach' Project Details

• 💖 The project has been nicknamed 'Barbie Beach'.
• 🗓️ The pink dye will be introduced into the water multiple times throughout September for scientific observation.