A whirlpool which has appeared in the sea off the coast of Scotland is due to waste water as a result of the recent heavy rain.
Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the whirlpool near Lendalfoot in South Ayrshire on Scotland's west coast was linked to heavy rainfall at a local landfill site.
Drone images captured pictures of the whirlpool, which were then posted on social media by Paul Young who took the photos.
Waste water from a local landfill site is usually pumped into the sea.
When this waste water mixes with rain water, it is called a lechate.
In this instance, the Scottish Environment and Protection Agency (SEPA) said that heavy rainfall mixing with waste water had led to an increased volume being released into the sea.
A whirlpool is formed when two opposing currents meet, causing the water to swirl.
With increased water being pumped into the sea on this occasion, it created a greater and prolonged current, resulting in a whirlpool.
A spokesperson for SEPA said: "Given the heavy and sustained rainfall over the last couple of weeks there has been an increased volume of leachate needing to be treated and discharged.
"This will have resulted in a prolonged discharge and more noticeable visual impact than normal."
What is a whirlpool?
A whirlpool is a body of rotating water, caused by two oppsing currents meeting and making the water swirl.
Whirlpools can be dangerous in big bodies of water because they can vary in strength and size.
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