Definition

The apparent colour of the sur­face layers of the SEA caused by the REFLECTION of certain components of the visible light spectrum cou­pled with the effects of dissolved material, con­centra­tion of PLANKTON, DETRITUS, or other matter. Colour of oceanic water varies from deep blue to yellow and is expressed by number values which are a variati­on of the FOREL SCALE. Plankton concentrations may cause a tempo­rary appearance of red, white, green, or other colours. Also called water colour. See also DISCOLOURED WATER.