Ocean Colour: Why Does Unpolluted Sea Water Look Different?

In summary, the color of unpolluted oceans and seas is influenced by a variety of factors such as the reflection of the sky, the presence of certain minerals and organisms, and the absorption of light by water. The blue color is not solely due to the reflection of the sky, but it is a contributing factor. Different areas of the ocean may have different colors due to varying conditions.
  • #1
alchemist
50
0
why does the waters of the unpolluted oceans and seas have their own different natural colour?
is it jus a mere reflection of the sky??
 
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  • #2
Originally posted by alchemist
why does the waters of the unpolluted oceans and seas have their own different natural colour?
is it jus a mere reflection of the sky??

Yes. That's why it's blue on a clear day and gray on a cloudy day. You can also get brown nears estuaries, blue green in shallow areas with sandy bottoms, red in algae blooms, etc.
 
  • #3
Originally posted by alchemist
is it jus a mere reflection of the sky??

No, but sky reflection is part of the reason that you see oceans as blue.

Apparently, water tends to absorb more red light...
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~etrnsfer/water.htm?o=0
 

1. Why does unpolluted sea water have different colors?

Unpolluted sea water can have different colors due to a variety of factors, including the presence of different types of microscopic organisms, the depth and clarity of the water, and the angle of the sun's rays hitting the water's surface.

2. What causes the blue color of the ocean?

The blue color of the ocean is primarily due to the way water absorbs and reflects light. Water molecules absorb longer, red wavelengths of light, while shorter, blue wavelengths are reflected back to our eyes, giving the ocean its characteristic blue color.

3. Does pollution affect the color of the ocean?

Yes, pollution can affect the color of the ocean. For example, oil spills can create a dark, murky appearance on the surface of the water, and excess nutrients from agricultural runoff can cause algal blooms which can turn the water green or brown.

4. Why does the ocean appear green in some areas?

The ocean can appear green in areas where there is an abundance of microscopic plants, called phytoplankton. These plants contain a pigment called chlorophyll, which gives them a green color and can cause the water to appear green as well.

5. Can the color of the ocean change over time?

Yes, the color of the ocean can change over time due to a variety of natural and human-induced factors. For example, changes in weather patterns, water temperature, and the amount of sunlight can all impact the color of the ocean. Human activities such as pollution and climate change can also have long-term effects on the color of the ocean.

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