Ocean Colour: Why Does Unpolluted Sea Water Look Different?

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The discussion centers on the natural colors of unpolluted ocean waters, exploring whether these colors are merely reflections of the sky. While sky reflection contributes to the perceived color—blue on clear days and gray on cloudy ones—it's not the sole factor. The absorption of light by water plays a significant role, with water absorbing more red light, which affects the color seen. Additionally, variations in color occur due to environmental factors, such as brown hues near estuaries, blue-green shades in shallow sandy areas, and red during algae blooms.
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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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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.
 
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
 
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