Why does water (in lakes or seas) look green up close but blue at a distance?
Depends what the water contains, it can be green if there is a strong presense of certain algae. However, if there are no waves, the water acts as a mirror. So if there is a blue sky, thats what you will see in the reflection
The Short Answer
Depends what the water contains, it can be green if there is a strong presense of certain algae. However, if there are no waves, the water acts as a mirror. So if there is a blue sky, thats what you will see in the reflection
Analysis
Key Concepts: Water, depends, contains
This explanation focuses on water, depends, contains and spans 45 words across 3 sentences. At 37% below the average Nature explanation (71 words), the answer takes a direct, no-frills approach — sometimes the simplest explanation is the most effective.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Depends what the water contains, it can be green if there is a strong presense of certain algae.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 3 connected points.
How This Compares in Nature
Ranked #339 of 500 Nature questions by answer depth (top 69%). This is in the concise tier — a focused explanation that prioritizes clarity over exhaustiveness. Many readers prefer this level of directness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why water (in lakes or seas) look green up close but blue at a distance?
Depends what the water contains, it can be green if there is a strong presense of certain algae. However, if there are no waves, the water acts as a mirror. So if there is a blue sky, thats what you will see in the reflection
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Nature questions?
This is a focused answer at 45 words, ranked #339 of 500 Nature questions by depth. The key concepts covered are water, depends, contains.
What approach does this answer take to explain water (in lakes or seas) look green up close but blue at a d?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 45 words. It is categorized under Nature and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.