Colors appear different underwater because light is filtered and absorbed differently by water, which alters the perception of wavelengths and results in a change of color.
When light enters the water, it begins to be absorbed by water molecules as soon as it comes into contact with the water surface. Water quickly absorbs red, orange, and yellow light, while shorter wavelengths such as blue, violet, and green can penetrate deeper into the water. That's why, when diving underwater, red light is the first to disappear, followed by orange and yellow, explaining why colors appear to gradually degrade with depth. Blue light, which can penetrate deeper, is the last to be absorbed, giving the water a bluish tint in depth.
When light passes through water, it separates into different colors due to light dispersion. This phenomenon is caused by the refraction of light, which depends on the wavelength of light. Shorter wavelengths (such as blue and violet) disperse more easily than longer wavelengths (such as red) when passing through a medium like water.
When white light from the sun enters water, each color it is composed of is deflected at a slightly different angle. This creates a dispersion effect that makes the colors appear separated underwater. Therefore, objects sometimes appear more colorful or differently colored depending on their position relative to the light source and the observer. This is why some colors appear brighter or more intense underwater compared to on dry land.
When diving deep into the water, colors gradually appear altered. Indeed, natural light coming from the sun breaks down as it travels through the water. The shortest wavelengths, like blue and violet, are the first to be filtered out. That's why, as one descends, blue hues dominate, as only wavelengths of that color are able to penetrate deeply. Reds and oranges, with longer wavelengths, are quickly absorbed by the water and do not reach great depths. This is how the color spectrum changes during a dive, giving underwater landscapes a specific and sometimes surprising color palette.
Water can reflect light, acting as a mirror for objects above its surface. However, water can also absorb some of the light that passes through it, depending on its purity and depth. The absorption of light by water is mainly due to the presence of molecules and suspended particles.
Water molecules mainly absorb red, orange, and yellow light, which is why these colors appear less intense as you go deeper into the water. At greater depths, only the shortest wavelengths, such as blue and violet, are able to penetrate.
Particles suspended in the water, such as algae, sediments, or debris, can also absorb and scatter light. This leads to a decrease in visibility and a distortion of underwater colors, sometimes giving the water a green or brown tint.
In summary, the reflection and absorption of light by water play a crucial role in how colors are perceived underwater. These phenomena influence visibility, perceived depth, and the color palette that can be observed while diving or simply by looking underwater.
Professional divers sometimes use special lamps to reveal the true underwater colors, which are often surprising and different from their natural appearance to the naked eye.
The phenomenon of bioluminescence allows various aquatic creatures to produce their own light to communicate, attract mates, or deceive predators.
Underwater photographers generally correct the colors of their photos using specialized filters or editing software, allowing them to display colors that are closer to reality.
Some marine species have developed bright colors that are invisible to most predators, as these colors quickly disappear in the depths.
In general, beyond 20 to 30 meters of depth, most colors gradually disappear, leaving primarily shades of blue and gray. To see the true colors of objects, it is necessary to use artificial light, such as a dive lamp, beyond this limit.
Yes, color vision in fish varies greatly from one species to another. Some fish have a very good perception of colors, even better than that of humans, while others can only perceive certain light spectra. This visual adaptation depends on their habitat, depth of living, and needs for communication or camouflage.
The diving mask creates a layer of air between the diver's eyes and the water, allowing for clearer vision than with the naked eye. Without a mask, the human eye loses its ability to focus properly, resulting in blurred colors and vision. The mask therefore enables a more accurate perception of underwater shapes and colors.
Underwater, colors generally appear duller as one descends deeper. The decrease in light intensity and the specific absorption of colored rays by water lead to a gradual reduction in the brightness and hue of colors.
Divers use a white light because it best restores the entire light spectrum. This allows for the true colors of organisms and underwater objects to be seen, which is essential for better observation and accurate photography.
The color red is the one that disappears the fastest underwater. This is due to the selective absorption of wavelengths by water molecules, which quickly absorb warm colors, leaving blues and greens visible at greater depths.
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