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The colour of the sea is determined by several factors, although two predominate. These are:

Another factor, which is easy to observe, is the nature of the material forming the sea bed. Where the sea bed is muddy or covered in vegetation, the water may appear grey or green. Where the sea bed is covered with whitish sand the water appears much more blue. The intensity of the blue colour depends to a large extent upon the depth of the water. In tropical areas the colours can be intense and very different in areas where the sea bed consists of coral or white sand. Finally, the position of the observer, and the elevation and azimuth of the Sun, also bring about perceived changes of colour. The smoothness of the surface of the sea is also a factor.