Why Is The Indian Ocean Green?
Have you ever gazed out at the ocean and seen different hues? It makes one wonder why the ocean has so many shades. Isn't it? While some believe the ocean colour is clear and not blue, some say the colour of the ocean is what lies in it and what is below it. One such ocean that has experienced a colour change is the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, there is more to know about it including Indian Ocean colour, weather, and more.
About the Indian Ocean
Covering about one-fifth of the total ocean area of the world, the Indian Ocean is the youngest and third largest water body of the world's three major oceans. It covers about 20% of the Earth's water surface.
Stretching more than 6,200 miles, it has an area of 27,24300 square miles. Besides, the Indian Ocean is also renowned for its deepest point- the Sunda Trench or the Java Trench having a maximum depth of 25,344 feet.
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Why is the Indian Ocean Green in Colour?
Once blue, the Indian Ocean changed its colour from blue to green. Wondering why? Well, it is due to the presence of phytoplankton. The green hue comes from chlorophyll- a pigment that aids food production in microscopic phytoplankton.
Additionally, climate also plays an important role in the change of colour in the ocean. Therefore, the colour is a combination of green and cyan. However, the colour may also appear either blue-green or emerald green, depending on the type of phytoplankton density in the ocean.
Is the Green Color of the Ocean Good?
Green water is a sign of life. The colour is due to tiny plants-like organisms called phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are also known as algae or microalgae. These are the most powerful organisms in the ocean. On the other hand, blue denotes a low level of life. This means if there were no phytoplankton, the water colour wouldn't be green.
Besides, the colour of the ocean also indicates the amount of carbon dioxide that water absorbs. So even if you find the ocean blue, the true colour may be a mix of blue to green and even sometimes red.
Interesting Facts about the Indian Ocean
Here are some interesting facts about the Indian Ocean:
Do you know the approximate volume of the Indian Ocean is 292,131,000 cubic kilometres?
The Indian Ocean is the warmest among all the oceans in the world and has the lowest oxygen content in the world.
The Indian Ocean has the world's highest as well as the lowest water salinity levels.
The eastern and western regions of the Indian Ocean are divided by the Ninety East Ridge, an underwater mountain range.
The Indian Ocean has the world's second-largest trench known as the Java Trench.
In recent years, a lost continent of the Indian Ocean has been found by scientists. It is known as Mauritia- the undiscovered landmass.
The ocean is the greatest source of oil as the world gets around 40% of its supply from its depth.
