The Collaborative International Dictionary
Sea foam \Sea" foam`\
Foam of sea water.
(Min.) Meerschaum; -- called also sea froth.
Wikipedia
Sea foam is a type of foam that appears in bodies of salt water. It can also refer to:
- Honeycomb toffee, a type of candy
- A shade of the color green
- A literal translation of " meerschaum"
Sea foam, ocean foam, beach foam, or spume is a type of foam created by the agitation of seawater, particularly when it contains higher concentrations of dissolved organic matter (including proteins, lignins, and lipids) derived from sources such as the offshore breakdown of algal blooms. These compounds can act as surfactants or foaming agents. As the seawater is churned by breaking waves in the surf zone adjacent to the shore, the presence of these surfactants under these turbulent conditions traps air, forming persistent bubbles that stick to each other through surface tension. Due to its low density and persistence, foam can be blown by strong on-shore winds from the beachface inland.
Usage examples of "sea foam".
As he mounted higher, flashes of sea foam and brilliantly blue water became visible through the leaves.
To Morgan, sitting anxiously in the small craft, it sounded like the dark hiss of sea foam-ancient and redolent with power.
Nothing for such a feeling but sun and salt air, the everchanging spill of sea foam, rising and falling against the cliffs.
She pointed to where it stood, covered now so as to look like a rock wreathed in sea foam.