Slick formations, driven by specific wind conditions, formed on the surface of Lake Wakatipu earlier this week, near Rat Point. The lake was completely flat at the time and the slicks appeared to have a white froth on the surface. ORC’s science team said the slicks formation were driven by "Langmuir circulation patterns" which formed under very specific wind conditions. Similar slicks formed last year, from pine and willow pollen, the ORC said. The council planned to do sampling on Lake Wakatipu next week if the slicks were present.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 19, 2017 18:11 UTC