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A phytoplankton bloom off the southern Jersey Shore is seen in this July 6, 2016, satellite image. (NASA)

ATLANTIC CITY -- For all its charms, the Jersey Shore is not known for crystalline waters, with the ocean off the Garden State almost always colored a murky, opaque green.

But swimmers off parts of Atlantic, Ocean and Cape May counties have enjoyed an unusual treat since early July: turquoise seas reminiscent of the Caribbean that permit beach-goers to see straight to the bottom, even out past the breakers.

The phenomenon is due to a confluence of factors, scientists say. Winds coming off the land are pushing the top layer of water farther out to sea, allowing the cooler waters beneath to rise. Those waters are filled with phytoplankton, microscopic creatures loaded with chlorophyll that are lending the southern Shore waters their unique, if fleeting, hue.

"These upwellings occur every summer, and fuel large phytoplankton blooms," Oscar Schofield, a Rutgers marine scientist, said in an interview published by NASA.

"Studies have suggested these summer upwelling events occur several times each summer and lead to large blooms that can discolor the water."

But while such phytoplankton blooms are not unheard of off the Shore, the water's present coloration is certainly odd. Bill Marosi, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service, told The Press of Atlantic City that dry conditions across the Northeast means less runoff is ending up in the ocean, making it less murky and also contributing to the unusual effect.

The enchanting phenomenon may not last much longer, however. A shift in wind patterns could restore the ocean's normal, dark coloration at any time, scientists say.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.