Light, not just heat, might spur water to evaporate

If real, the effect might be occurring naturally all over the world

Sea-foam on a beach is illuminated by the sun

Light could help water evaporate by breaking bonds between molecules, scientists propose. In nature, this process could occur where water contacts air, such as in sea-foam or in soils.

Tina Terras & Michael Walter/Moment/Getty Images

Green light means “go.” That might apply to evaporating water molecules too.

Visible light, especially that of a greenish hue, might spur water to evaporate, researchers report in the Nov.