Category: Science > Chlorophyll
One unique and interesting fact about science relates to the element chlorophyll, which plays a crucial role in the color of the ocean. While water itself is inherently blue due to the way it absorbs and scatters sunlight, the presence of chlorophyll in phytoplankton, microscopic plants that dwell in ocean waters, can significantly alter this color. When phytoplankton are abundant, they can give the ocean a greenish hue because chlorophyll absorbs light in the blue and red wavelengths, reflecting green light instead. This phenomenon not only affects the aesthetic appearance of the ocean but also signals the health and productivity of marine ecosystems since phytoplankton are a foundational component of the marine food web. Thus, the interplay between light, chlorophyll, and water creates a dynamic and colorful representation of life beneath the waves.