1.Suspended Particles: When fine particles such as clay, rock flour, or glacial sediments are suspended in water, they can scatter and absorb specific wavelengths of light. The scattering of blue and green light, combined with the absorption of red and orange light, can give the water a turquoise hue.
2.Sunlight and Depth: The color of water is also influenced by the angle of sunlight, water depth, and the surrounding environment. In shallow waters, sunlight penetrates easily and reflects off the white sand or light-colored sediments, giving the water a bright turquoise appearance. As the water depth increases, the amount of sunlight reaching the bottom decreases, resulting in a darker, more intense turquoise color.
3.Dissolved Minerals: Certain dissolved minerals, such as copper, calcium carbonate, or aluminum hydroxide, can contribute to the turquoise color of water. These minerals can selectively absorb and scatter sunlight, enhancing the turquoise hue.
4.Biological Factors: The presence of phytoplankton, algae, or bacteria in water can affect its color. Some species of phytoplankton contain pigments like chlorophyll and carotenoids that absorb and reflect specific wavelengths of light, which can give the water a turquoise appearance.
5.Refraction: When sunlight enters the water, it undergoes refraction, which is the bending of light waves due to a change in speed as they pass from air to water. This can result in the scattering of blue and green light, contributing to the turquoise color of the water.
It's worth noting that the turquoise color of water can vary depending on the location, weather conditions, and time of day. The combination of various factors, including the presence of suspended particles, sunlight interaction, dissolved minerals, biological factors, and refraction, contributes to the beautiful and diverse turquoise hues seen in natural water bodies.