'A beachcomber's dream': Sifting through 'ocean burps' on the Oregon Coast

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Seaside Aquarium shared a fun and interesting tip for beachcombers this week after an “ocean burp” washed ashore near Seaside.

An “ocean burp,” is a beached field of debris made up of items that usually rest on the ocean floor. The debris is kicked up by a phenomenon known as upwelling. According to the Seaside Aquarium, upwelling is caused by winds driving cooler, denser, ocean water towards the surface, replacing the warmer surface water.

“This juggling of water from the bottom of the ocean to the surface often lifts debris sitting on the seafloor into the water column,” the Seaside Aquarium said. “As the tide comes in, the debris is cast onto shore.  At the Seaside Aquarium, we fondly refer to these events as ‘ocean burps.’”

Ocean burps can offer a unique and interesting beachcombing experience. Inside the small debris fields, beachcombers can find shells, tree bark, large tubeworm casings, hermit crabs, algae, kelp, and the occasional skate egg casing.

“Coming across one of these is a beachcomber’s dream!” the Seaside Aquarium said.

The aquarium asks beachgoers to avoid touching any living critters that could be found inside ocean burps.

The debris fields also offer a rare opportunity for people to clean up any trash that may be resting on the ocean floor.

“Each event is unique, you never know what you will come across,” the aquarium told KOIN. “We highly recommend checking them out if you do come across them. We also encourage people to pick up any trash that they find so it doesn't reenter the ocean. You will often find plastic bottles, gloves, golf balls, sunglasses, etc.”