Section 1
Water as a Selective Filter
Key Idea
Like the atmosphere, the ocean acts as a filter for sunlight.
However, water filters light differently than air does.
Key Idea.
Section 1
Water as a Selective Filter
Like the atmosphere, the ocean acts as a filter for sunlight.
However, water filters light differently than air does.
Section 2
The Light Environment Changes with Depth
Because of this selective absorption, the spectrum of available light changes as you go deeper.
By the time you reach 100 meters deep, all red light has been absorbed by the water above. The "light environment" at this depth consists only of blue and green wavelengths.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Water as a Selective Filter
Like the atmosphere, the ocean acts as a filter for sunlight.
However, water filters light differently than air does.
Section 2
The Light Environment Changes with Depth
Because of this selective absorption, the spectrum of available light changes as you go deeper.
By the time you reach 100 meters deep, all red light has been absorbed by the water above. The "light environment" at this depth consists only of blue and green wavelengths.