What turns lake water blue?
What turns lake water blue? Water molecules absorb longer, visible wavelengths (e.g. red light, 600-700 nm) while shorter, blue wavelengths (< 500 nm) pass deeper into the water column. These short wavelengths scatter to create a deep blue color in clear lakes. Blue lakes are common in areas with fast draining soils and small lake watersheds.
Why does lake water change color?
Shifts in lake water color can indicate a loss of ecosystem health. While substances such as algae and sediments can affect the color of lakes, the new study finds air temperature, precipitation, lake depth and elevation also play important roles in determining a lake's most common water color.
How is Blue Lake so clear?
Scientists attribute the lake water's clarity to its passage underground from Lake Constance, which filters out nearly all the particles suspended in the water. Its clarity reveals water's natural blue-violet colour.