Why is the Ocean Blue?
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The ocean appears blue for two main reasons: the absorption and scattering of light. Water absorbs red light more efficiently than blue, so when sunlight enters the water, the red, orange, yellow, and green wavelengths are absorbed, while the blue wavelengths penetrate deeper, making the water appear blue. Additionally, water molecules scatter light, but this plays a smaller role compared to absorption.
The ocean’s color can also be influenced by factors such as reflecting the color of the sky and the presence of algae, sediments, and other particles altering its color.
Therefore, the primary reason for the ocean’s blue color is the absorption and scattering of light, with blue wavelengths being the least absorbed and most transmitted.
