Multiple choice general knowledge

Why do some glaciers appear blue?

  1. because it gets so compressed over time

  2. because blue algae gets trapped in it

  3. because the mountain water in it is so pure

  4. dummy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Glacial ice appears blue because of how ice crystals compress and become denser over many years. As snow accumulates and compresses into ice, air bubbles are forced out and ice crystals grow larger. This dense ice absorbs longer wavelengths (red) and reflects shorter wavelengths (blue), similar to why deep water appears blue. The process takes decades to centuries, producing the characteristic blue color of ancient glacial ice.

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