Bioluminescent shorelines occur when large concentrations of microscopic dinoflagellates are disturbed by waves, currents, or movement in the water. Chemical reactions within their cells produce brief flashes of blue-green light. Individually, each flash is tiny, but when millions occur together, entire stretches of shoreline can appear illuminated.

Philosophical parallel: Cause and effect works one action at a time. Small, consistent inputs can accumulate into powerful results.