The depth light can penetrate underwater depends on water clarity and the angle of the sun. In clear ocean water, sunlight can penetrate up to 200 meters (656 feet). In murky or turbid water, light penetration may only be a few meters.
Chat with our AI personalities
Ultraviolet (UV) light can penetrate water to a depth of about 1 meter in clear ocean water, but this depth decreases in more turbid or polluted water. Beyond this depth, the UV light is effectively absorbed by the water molecules. UV light is important in water as it helps to sterilize and cleanse the water by killing off bacteria and other microorganisms.
Yes, UV light can penetrate through clouds, although the amount that reaches the Earth's surface is reduced compared to a clear sky.
The wavelengths of light that penetrate deepest into the ocean are blue and green light. These colors can travel the farthest through water because they are absorbed less by water molecules and particles.
Red light does not penetrate 70 meters beneath the ocean surface as it is quickly absorbed by water molecules.
In water, visible light wavelengths are absorbed quickly, with red light being absorbed first and blue light penetrating the deepest. Beyond visible light, infrared light can penetrate even deeper into water. Ultraviolet light is largely absorbed by water and does not penetrate deeply.