Figure 10.4

Depth of penetration of solar radiation. In the open ocean, in clear water, relatively long wavelengths of insolation, such as infrared, red, orange, and yellow, are absorbed in the first 50 m (160 ft) of water. Shortwave UV radiation is also absorbed near the water surface. Green and violet light penetrate just over 100 m (330 ft), and blue light penetrates as much as 250 m (820 ft).