What causes the color of the ocean?

The color of the ocean is primarily determined by the absorption and scattering of sunlight by the water. Water absorbs colors in the red part of the light spectrum and reflects the blue part, which is why oceans often appear blue. In shallow waters, the color can range from turquoise to green, depending on the amount of phytoplankton, algae, or sediment present. The clarity of the water also plays a role, as clear water allows more sunlight to penetrate and scatter, giving the ocean its characteristic color.