There can be many reasons for different "colors"
of ocean water or fresh water.
The sky condition can make a big difference, as
a clear blue sky will be reflected by the water
as a darker color, whereas a cloudy sky will be
reflected as a lighter color.
The depth of the water changes how much light is
reflected from the sea bottom below. For shallow
water, such as near a beach, the light reflected from
the sand below the water will make the water look
lighter (thus green) than it will look if you are
in deep water (where little or no light is reflected
from the bottom, resulting in dark blue water).
Light is also reflected from the interior of the
water also, and the color of whatever is in the water
(seaweed, soil, suspended sand, etc.) will affect
the color that you see from the water.
The Sun angle affects the water color also, as less
light is reflected from the surface, bottom, and interior
of the water near noontime than is reflected during early
morning or evening. The water is likely to look darker
around noontime.
Not all of the oceans are even the same color, or even the same
color in different places. Mostly this has to do with what is in
the water. Near shore, deep currents push up considerable amounts
of minerals from the seabeds, and microscopic life florishes. In
deeper seas, although by no means devoid of life, the algeal blooms
are not present, so there is a clearer view through the
water. Different oceans have different mineral content as well,
meaning some take on an almost teal appearence, while others may
appear more greyish in color. I can tell you from expierience that
I've seen every shade of blue imaginable (and a few I'd never
imagined) in the Pacific ocean, depending on where I was, the
weather, and the time of year.
2007-01-20 15:14:06
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answer #1
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answered by rajeev_iit2 3
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The colouration of oceans, and other large bodies of water (i.e. lakes, swamps, etc.) are partly due to green algea, and other protists. These individuals possess the substance called chlorophyll (a and b), also found in plants. This is why bodies of water may appear greenish blue. There is also a "red tide," a lethal protist that blooms nearby seashores making the water appear rusty red. It is dangerous to be near a red tide since it causes paralyzation.
2007-01-20 14:29:05
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answer #2
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answered by Student_007 1
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Depends on light reflection, nutrients in the water, depth of water and algea the red tide refered to is an algea that is prolific where the nitrite and nitrogen levels in the water are high and the oxygen levels are low, killing all other life forms, avoid this at all costs.
2007-01-20 16:26:17
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answer #3
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answered by stephen g 3
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it depends on the color of the sky and the depth of the ocean
2007-01-20 14:27:20
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answer #4
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answered by harleyhottie26 2
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Reflection of light and the depth of the water.
2007-01-20 14:25:46
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answer #5
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answered by prince ali 2
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depends on color of the sky, depth, stuff in the water and on the bottom.
2007-01-20 14:25:41
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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