Water depth has a dramatic effect on color visibility following a predictable pattern:
- 0-15 feet: Most colors visible, slight blue tint
- 15-20 feet: Red disappears first
- 25-35 feet: Orange becomes grey
- 35-60 feet: Yellow fades significantly
- 60+ feet: Blue dominates
This effect occurs because water molecules absorb different wavelengths of light at different rates. Longer wavelengths (red, orange) are absorbed first, while shorter wavelengths (blue) penetrate deeper. This is why deep ocean waters appear blue, even when viewing from above.