Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => The Environment => Topic started by: L.Christie on 23/06/2008 13:51:46

Title: Why do we see bands of different coloured water in the ocean?
Post by: L.Christie on 23/06/2008 13:51:46

L.Christie asked the Naked Scientists:

Our home overlooks the ocean in False Bay South Africa. At times there are noticeable bands of different coloured water.

Can you explain this as I have thought that it had something to do with different temperatures moving into the bay

What do you think?

Title: Why do we see bands of different coloured water in the ocean?
Post by: LeeE on 25/06/2008 13:49:32

It's likely to be a combination of sediments/discharges draining into the bay and diatom blooms.  Have a look at:

http://sacoast.uwc.ac.za/education/resources/falsebay.htm (http://sacoast.uwc.ac.za/education/resources/falsebay.htm)