One type, an algal bloom fed by excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in the water, is often referred to as a “mahogany tide” due to its characteristic chocolate-brown color. These algal blooms are often observed over the summer months during stretches of hot, dry days.
Why is the Inner Harbor water brown?
In an inversion, this “heavier” water sinks to the bottom of the harbor, pushing deep water that contains low levels of dissolved oxygen to the surface. The algal bloom causes the harbor to turn a chocolate brown color, called a mahogany tide.
Is the Baltimore harbor dirty?
Probably because locals know the harbor is notoriously dirty. Environmental experts say it has dangerously high levels of bacteria. In fact, the latest Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore’s Healthy Harbor Initiative report card gave it an F, partially due to the levels of fecal matter in the water.
Why is the Baltimore Harbor so polluted?
The report notes the harbor still suffers from pollution caused by runoff and sewage leaks, especially during heavy rains. A $430 million project has been underway at the Back River Treatment Plant that’s expected to significantly reduce sewage spills.
Why is the Chesapeake Bay so brown?
High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus fuel unnaturally high levels of algae growth in the water, blocking sunlight from reaching underwater grasses that serve as food and habitat.
Why is Baltimore so hot?
Baltimore’s sweltering July was a result of a long-lasting, subtropical area of high pressure in the western Atlantic Ocean known as a “Bermuda High,” according to Dan Hofmann, a National Weather Service meteorologist.
Is it safe to swim in Baltimore Harbor?
Scientists still monitor water quality. As a rule of thumb, it’s not safe to swim in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Even a splash could make you sick. But a new water quality tool could show that some times are safer than others for fishing, kayaking or dragon boat racing.
Do people swim in the Baltimore Harbor?
While there are no regulations on swimming in the harbor, Lindquist said he would not advise it. “I would not recommend doing that. Our biggest pollution problem in the Baltimore Harbor is the raw sewage that’s overflowing or leaking from the city’s system,” Lindquist said.
Are there sharks in the Baltimore Harbor?
The Chesapeake Bay is visited by multiple species of sharks, typically in the summer. Most of these species are found in the higher salinity waters of the lower Bay.
How deep is the Baltimore Harbor?
Today, the main channel reaches 51 feet down and 700 feet across. Brewerton Channel was widened further to 50 feet deep and 700 feet wide in 2001. In 2012, the Seagirt Marine Terminal berth also was deepened to 50 feet.
Are you allowed to fish in the Inner Harbor?
About Inner Harbor
Can you fish in Inner Harbor? Inner Harbor is near Baltimore. The most popular species caught here are Striped bass, White perch, and Channel catfish.
Is Baltimore Harbor saltwater?
Surrounded by native plant gardens, the saltwater harbor attracts waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, fish, and other wildlife. Visitors to the area may notice some very odd looking structures nearby.
Can you swim in the Chesapeake Bay?
Despite these health concerns, beaches along the tidal rivers and the Chesapeake Bay are often safe for swimming, fishing and boating.
Is there sharks in the Chesapeake Bay?
The answer to the question is, yes. At least 12 species of sharks are known to visit parts of the Bay, and can be found here between summer and fall.
Why is the Chesapeake Bay so dirty?
This excess nitrogen and phosphorus feeds algal blooms that block sunlight to underwater grasses and contribute to the formation of dead zones, areas in the Bay and its tidal waters without sufficient levels of oxygen.
What is the hottest temperature ever recorded in Baltimore?
The temperature hit 108 degrees at the Science Center in downtown Baltimore, with a heat index over 120. This was the hottest reading ever recorded for Baltimore, topping the previous mark of 107 set in 1936.
What is the hottest month in Baltimore?
July
High temperatures occur in July, the warmest month, averaging in the mid to upper 80s. Low temperatures in January, the coldest month, average in the low to mid 20s. Since 1871, the mean temperature for Baltimore has been 54.6 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the State Climatologist Office.
What was the hottest day in Baltimore?
These records go back to 1893. The highest temperature measured during that time was 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 Celsius) on July 10, 1936. Since 1940 the temperature extremes were observed at Baltimore Washington International Airport.
Are there Stingrays in Baltimore Harbor?
He said sea creatures like stingrays and jellyfish do not typically swim into Baltimore harbors or the Patapsco River, although annual drought seasons are changing their behavior. “The end of summer to early fall is when we typically see the most in large numbers, but this varies from year to year,” Cover said.
How safe is Baltimore Inner Harbor?
Baltimore is safe during daylight and around the areas near the harbor. Fells Point and the inner harbor are perfect for long walks and exploring, and if you’re pining for a great hike with a view, go to the Federal Hill. These places are perfectly safe, but you should avoid certain dangerous areas.
Is the Inner Harbor salt water?
About half of the water in the Bay comes from salt water from the Atlantic Ocean. The other half drains into the Bay from its enormous 64,000-square-mile watershed.