Hydrosphere Contents

2. Properties Of Water

Absorption of radiation

Water absorbs a large fraction of the energy it receives, particularly in the infra-red range. This in an important component of the natural greenhouse effect and helps to regulate temperature in the atmosphere. It is also important that water absorbs only quite weakly in the visible light range, which is important since this means that there is a substantial depth in the water column in which marine plants can still receive sufficient light to grow (i.e. can live and photosynthesise).

The electromagnetic spectrum.

What is significant about the capacity of water to absorb radiation?