Residents of Maluku were stunned by a rare natural phenomenon where the sea appeared to split, creating a dry path in the middle of the water. This event quickly became a hot topic, attracting the attention of locals, scientists, and even tourists. Many linked it to miraculous stories from history, while experts sought scientific explanations. How did this phenomenon occur, and is there a logical explanation behind it?
The Sea Splitting Phenomenon: Fact or Myth?
The phenomenon of the sea splitting is not just a story found in religious texts or mythology. Similar occurrences have been reported in different parts of the world, usually linked to natural factors such as extreme tides, the gravitational pull of the moon, and underwater geological conditions.
In Maluku, this event created a path several meters long, allowing people to walk on the seabed that is usually covered by water. However, this phenomenon lasted for only a limited time before the water returned to cover the path.
What Causes the Sea to Split?
Experts have provided several possible explanations for this rare phenomenon:
1. Extreme Tides
Tides occur due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earth’s oceans. Under certain conditions, especially during a new or full moon, tides can become extremely high or low. This can cause the seawater to recede far from the coastline, creating a dry path that appears as if the sea has split.
2. Gravitational Effects and Tectonic Activity
Maluku is located in a region with high tectonic activity. Minor shifts in tectonic plates or small seismic activities can temporarily alter the seabed’s surface, leading to a sudden receding of water in certain areas.
3. Underwater Geological Structures
Some regions have unique underwater geological formations that can temporarily cause the water to recede. If there is a natural channel formed by erosion or sediment movement, water can be pulled into deeper areas, creating the illusion of a split sea.
4. Seiche or Standing Waves
Seiche is a phenomenon where water oscillates within a closed or semi-closed body of water due to changes in atmospheric pressure or seismic activity. If this occurs in a shallow-water region, it can make the water temporarily retreat and create a dry path.
Similar Cases Around the World
This phenomenon is not the first of its kind. Some well-known similar events include:
- Moses’ Path in South Korea – Every year, in Jindo Island, an extreme low tide creates a 2.8 km pathway connecting two islands, resembling the biblical story of Moses parting the sea.
- Sea Splitting in the Gulf of Fonseca, Central America – Extreme tidal changes in this area often create temporary dry paths that people can walk on.
- The Red Sea Phenomenon – Some scientists suggest that an extreme low tide may have occurred in the Red Sea in ancient times, inspiring religious stories about the sea parting.
Community Reactions and Impact
This event in Maluku sparked various reactions among locals. Some saw it as a spiritual sign or miracle, while others were simply amazed at nature’s wonders. The phenomenon also attracted tourists eager to witness this rare occurrence firsthand.
On the other hand, meteorologists and scientists continue to monitor and analyze this phenomenon to better understand its causes. Further research could help predict similar events in the future and reveal more about the Earth’s dynamic natural processes.
The sea-splitting phenomenon in Maluku is a remarkable example of how nature continues to surprise humanity. While many associate it with miraculous stories, science offers logical explanations that help us understand the process behind such occurrences.
Will this phenomenon happen again in the future? Only time and further research will tell. One thing is certain: this event reminds us of the extraordinary power of nature and how science and spirituality often go hand in hand in understanding the world.