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What makes ice lake so blue?

Once at the basin, hikers will be greeted by upper Ice Lake, a large alpine lake with aquamarine-colored waters. Its intense ice-blue colors are made by several factors, one of which includes something called glacial flour, or rock flour.



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Blue water lakes contain low concentrations of algae and other substances, resulting in high clarity and a deep blue color. Water molecules absorb longer, visible wavelengths (e.g. red light, 600-700 nm) while shorter, blue wavelengths (< 500 nm) pass deeper into the water column.

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Depending on the thickness of the ice, there may be limitations on what you can do on its surface. 2 inches thick The ice is very susceptible to breakage and is not safe to walk on. 4 inches thick It should be ok to stand, skate, and ice fish on the surface.

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It is common to see dyed water in public and recreational establishments, such as golf courses, recreation parks, ornamental ponds and decorative fountains. Aquatic dyes add blue or blue-green color to the water to reduce sunlight penetration.

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Most nutrients are found in the bottom layers, but algae thrive in the top layers, where the sun shines, as they need light to grow. The result of all these factors is the clear, blue water that all mediterranean divers know and love so well.

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