The sea is an indispensable element in the formation of meteorological phenomena, hurricanes being one of the most important; not surprisingly, they feed off the heat of the waters. We don't usually think about it, but we live on a blue planet—or, well, that's the color our eyes see. Isn't it always blue? Below, we'll answer your question .
The water in the oceans covers 71% of the planet Earth. We have only explored 5%, but many of us will agree that its color is blue. Sometimes darker, sometimes lighter. Everything will depend on its concentration of salts and the type of life that exists in that area. So, the sweetest water will be clearer than the saltiest, something that we can easily see in the Gulf of Alaska.
But Why does it change tonality? Well, the reason is that sea water absorbs part of the colored radiation that makes up white lightAt midday, for example, it absorbs red, yellow, and orange radiation first, while blue radiation is reflected. Thus, the color changes depending on the time of day, obliquity, and degree of sunlight, as well as the nature of the seabed, as we've already mentioned. If you'd like to learn more about the change in ocean color, you can consult How climate change affects the ocean.
In scientific terms, water is a relatively clear liquid, but its color is due to the way light interacts with water and the various elements in it. Specifically, the more organisms and particles The more water is suspended, the more its color will vary. But what other factors can influence this coloration?
Factors affecting the color of the sea
The color of the ocean can be influenced by several factors that we can classify as follows:
- Chemical composition of water: The concentration of salts and other minerals affects light absorption. For example, areas with high salinity generally have a more intense color.
- Marine life: Organisms such as phytoplankton play a crucial role in water color. During certain times of the year, such as during increased photosynthetic activity, phytoplankton produce more clorofila, which can give a greenish hue to the water. This phenomenon can also be read in the context of corals and phytoplankton.
- Weather conditions: Sunny, clear days can intensify the blue color, while cloudy or stormy days can make the water appear more gray or brown due to sediment and particles in the water.
- Water depth: Deeper waters are usually darker than surface waters, since the wavelengths of light are absorbed at different depths.
A clear example of how marine life can affect ocean coloration can be seen in the case of phytoplankton. This tiny, though microscopic, organism is the basis of marine food chain and has a direct impact on the color of the water. Areas rich in phytoplankton tend to appear green, while cleaner, less biologically active waters often have bluish hues. You can also explore more about coral reefs and its relationship with these phenomena.
White light and its interaction with sea water
White light, which is the combination of all the colors in the visible spectrum, interacts with water in interesting ways. Upon reaching the water, the molecules in this liquid absorb wavelengths of specific colors. The longer wavelengths, such as reds, yellows, and oranges, are absorbed first, while the blue colors, which have shorter wavelengths, are reflected. This is what our eyes perceive as the color of the sea, which is mostly blue. In this context, you can read more about the color of ice and their relationships with water.
This phenomenon is accentuated depending on the time of day. During sunrise and sunset, when sunlight passes through more of the atmosphere, the tones bluish can intensify, giving rise to striking visual spectacles on the coasts. For a deeper understanding, I recommend reading about the terminal situation of the Great Barrier Reef.
Influence of climate change on ocean coloration
In addition to these natural variations, climate change is playing a significant role in how we perceive ocean colors. As the ocean temperatures increase, a change in the distribution of phytoplankton has been observed, which in turn affects the color of the water. A comprehensive analysis can be found in projections on the city of Miami.
Studies have shown that rising temperatures can cause an increase in phytoplankton biomass in some regions, resulting in a greener hue. This could mean that while the water remains blue in some areas, other parts of the ocean are becoming greener, which can have serious ramifications for marine life and the health of our oceans. This phenomenon is reflected in several aspects that you can read about. the coloration of the sea in different regions.
Often, this change in ocean color can be indicative of other, more serious environmental problems, such as declining marine nutrients, which are essential for life. Therefore, monitoring these color changes becomes a crucial tool for understanding the health of the marine ecosystem. Tracking these trends is also vital in the face of Greenhouse.
The impact of sediments and pollutants on the color of the sea
In addition to marine life and climate change, sediments in the water can also influence the color of the sea. Rivers flowing into the ocean can carry materials such as clay, sand and other sediments that alter the clarity of the water, causing changes in its color. You can learn more about how these elements interact in the environment by reading about chemical changes in matter.
On the other hand, pollution also plays a significant role. Harmful algae, which can proliferate due to excess nutrients derived from agricultural and urban activities, can give rise to what are known as red tidesThese tides not only alter the color of the water, but also pose risks to human health and marine life. This issue is closely related to coral reefs in Japan.
Monitoring and studies on the color of the sea
Recent studies led by MIT and other institutions have indicated that more than 56% of the ocean's surface has experienced changes in color due to human influence and climate change. The use of satellites has allowed scientists to measure the amount of light radiating from the ocean and atmosphere, giving us a clearer picture of these changes. For a more comprehensive view, you can consult the blue lakes in Antarctica.
It's important to emphasize that, although these changes may not be easily perceptible to the naked eye, they have a profound impact on marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Therefore, continuous monitoring of ocean color not only helps us observe aesthetic changes but also becomes a vital tool for marine environmental conservation.
Analyzing how phytoplankton assemble and how they affect ocean color can provide clues to understanding how marine communities are transforming and, ultimately, how these changes impact the lives of the people who depend on the health of our oceans.
