Professor explains cause of Turtle Island’s milky seaBy Chang Yi-chen and Dennis Xie / Staff reporter, with staff writerAn oceanographer has explained the reason for the formation of the “Milk Sea” (牛奶海) — an ocean area off the coast of Yilan County that has become a tourist hotspot because of its milk-colored water. The Milk Sea surrounding Turtle Island (Gueishan Island) in Yilan County is pictured on Sunday. “Soaking in the [Milk Sea] for a prolonged period could have an effect similar to a chemical peel,” she added. Although “sourer,” the Milk Sea has coral, because hot spring water is mixed with seawater as it gradually rises, she said, adding that water below the white-colored surface is actually no different from regular seawater. Rock falls, landslides, as well as changing tides, currents and hydrothermal vents are factors contributing to the changing boundaries of the Milk Sea as observed every year, she said.

Source: Taipei Times September 07, 2020 15:56 UTC