Bubble Rings

By June 8, 2008March 11th, 2021Uncategorized

Bubble Ring Day. It was so hot in the desert today all we could do was swim in the pool. Good thing I had my trusty uber-unterwasser-oring-foto-kamera along. We blew off some fine bubble rings and had fun watching them wobble and grow as they floated up through the water. These bubble rings are actually stable toroidal air pockets that usually maintain their delicate shapes all the way to the surface (if left to ascend undisturbed). I was pretty lightheaded after spending 30 minutes repeatedly holding my breath on the bottom of the pool making these bubble rings, so I did it for another 20 minutes and got super lightheaded. It was way more funnerer than hyperventilating into a paper bag. Ah, good times.

A bubble ring. A young girl reaches out to touch a bubble ring as it ascends through the water toward her

A bubble ring. A young girl reaches out to touch a bubble ring as it ascends through the water toward her.
Image ID: 20774

A bubble ring. A child puts her hand through a bubble ring at it ascends through the water toward her

A bubble ring. A child puts her hand through a bubble ring at it ascends through the water toward her.
Image ID: 20775

A bubble ring. A young girl watches as a bubble ring ascends through the water toward her

A bubble ring. A young girl watches as a bubble ring ascends through the water toward her.
Image ID: 20776

A bubble ring. A toroidal bubble ring rises through the water on its way to the surface

A bubble ring. A toroidal bubble ring rises through the water on its way to the surface.
Image ID: 20777

Trochoidal sunlight patterns on the bottom of a swimming pool

Trochoidal sunlight patterns on the bottom of a swimming pool.
Image ID: 20778

A bubble ring. A toroidal bubble ring rises through the water on its way to the surface

A bubble ring. A toroidal bubble ring rises through the water on its way to the surface.
Image ID: 20779

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!