Planktonic Storm
How can anyone, or anything, prepare for an invisible storm, so deadly it can wipe out millions of innocent animals?
An overproduction of aeroplankton from gigantic lifeforms causea planktonic storms, invisible waves of biological particles. They are so dense they can clog the respiratory system, causing an almost instantaneous, but extremely painful, death.
Aeroplankton
Ew. Imagine having tiny bits of animals floating into your mouth at all times. Eeeewwwww.
Aeroplankton is a specialised type of plankton, airborne in nature. Aeroplankton is made up primarily of microorganisms, such as polyps, fungi, bacteria, algae, mosses, protists, seeds and grains, and incredibly tiny invertebrates.
Aeroplankton is found on every planet, and there is little that can be done to avoid it. Specialised filtration masks are made for planets where aeroplankton is an issue, such as Norrab.
Many organisms serve as aeroplankton as part of their life cycle. Dust storms and sea spray are also responsible in kicking up aeroplankton.
Planktonic Surge
A surge in aeroplankton is quite rare. Planktonic storms are typically impossible if a planet does not host the right species. Norrab is home to thousands of gigantic polyp-producing cnidarians, such as titan trunks. They can produce millions of airborne polyps a day, every day of the year.
Even on a generally desolate planet such as Norrab, with the right conditions, planktonic storms can become a serious issue. Thankfully, planktonic storms are generally restricted to isolated regions. On Norrab, the only places you'll find these storms are in the Sian Lowlands, Siltlands, and the Phalan Forest, due to such a high number of gigantic polyp-producing organisms.
Planets like Adamne, Adarao, Daenis, and Osao are frequently barraged by planktonic storms. Thankfully, in Osao's case, the resident slimes are not affected by aeroplankton.
Ecosystem Adaptations
In order to withstand such horrific weather phenomena, many animals have adapted to these circumstances over hundreds of thousands, even millions, of years. Planktonic storms were once much more common, and many animals have evolved natural defences to aeroplankton.
Some animals have unfortunately lost these adaptations. In a prehistoric Norrab, many millions of species of trunceritans went extinct. Planktonic storms were nearly a daily occurance, but in modern times they appear as little as a couple of times a year.
Bat-Eared Mouse
Bat-eared mice have gigantic ears that wrap around their mouths during planktonic storms. Cowering in small crevices, they can just about manage in a storm.Burrowers
Many animals burrow underground to seek shelter. Some hang around cave entrances when they sense a storm brewing.Tortonids
Tortonids are large tortoises often found where planktonic storms are most common. They can retreat into their shells when a storm arrives.Read More!
Detection & Defence
Protecting oneself against these storms is a must on some planets. Protective equipment such as filtration masks are on the simpler side, but they allow people to (mostly) go about their lives as normal, while these storms rage on.
Housing in stormy regions are often made of solid, sturdy material, so plankton cannot seep through. Temporary homes of nomads are made with thick animal hide, or if possible, wooden materials, which plankton cannot penetrate.
Some houses around Norrab are surrounded by protective glass domes, serving as greenhouses. It keeps plankton out and can filter water, allowing for small, self-sustaining crop fields.
Detecting Storms
Many regions operate using planktometers. These technological wonders detect waves of plankton, displayed through a digital screen. A red line sits in the middle of the screen, representing a healthy amount of plankton, with a green line wiggling up and down based on plankton percentage.
Once this green line reaches a certain height for a certain duration, alarm-bells are rung and the region is sent into lockdown. This process differs wildly depending on planet, but most use the same planktometer.
How to stay safe in a Planktonic Storm!
Planktonic storms are a growing issue. Stay safe and follow all instructions, for your, and others, safety.
Adamne
Algol
Algol Mountains
Norrab
Phalan Forest
Sian Lowlands
Related Species
Aeroplankton
Titanic Tortonid
Titan Trunk
Tortonidae
Not Jari!
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