Why is blue lake so blue?

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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During the dormant years, ground water percolated into the underground channels and mixed with the hot and possibly molten lava at depth. The resultant explosions caused the large craters that are obvious today, containing Blue, Valley and Browne Lakes.

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Scientists attribute the lake water's clarity to its passage underground from Lake Constance, which filters out nearly all the particles suspended in the water. Its clarity reveals water's natural blue-violet colour.

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Blue Lake's constant high-volume flow of clear springwater provides underwater visibility of up to 60 feet (18 m) at (rare) times, and year-round bottom temperatures of approximately 85 °F (29 °C).

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The clear water in the Blue Lake turns vibrant blue in summer. This is caused from the higher position of the sun in summer which means more light hits the surface of the lake. This increases the blue light that is scattered back out from the lake by small particles.

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The Geology of Crater Lake Crater Lake is famous for its deep blue color. The water gets its color from the way sunlight reflects off of the particles in the water. These particles are very small, so they scatter the sunlight in all directions, making the water look blue. The water in Crater Lake is also very clear.

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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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According to My Switzerland, 80% of drinking water is sourced from groundwater, and the other 20% is from lakes. Switzerland is blessed with rich water reserves but also has established groundwater protection zones to ensure that the sources remain as clean and untouched as possible.

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Lake Annecy, France Located in the Haute-Savoie department, which borders Italy and Switzerland, Lake Annecy is a pristine body of water that's often called the cleanest lake in Europe, thanks to strict environmental regulations set in place in the 1960s.

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Annecy. Regarded as the clearest lake in Europe, Annecy is home to a picturesque town of the same name – sometimes also known as Venice of the Alps due to its numerous water canals.

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Lake Pukaki, New Zealand This silt absorbs purple and indigo wavelengths, and the water absorbs red, orange, and yellow, leaving the dazzling blue-green water that allures hikers, bikers, and lakeside strollers.

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