Why is sea water so brown in britain?

Question

Why is sea water so brown in britain?

Answer 1

They're not in North Wales - come and visit.

Answer 2

Well, it could pollution or the erosion of the land that causes sediments to be suspended in the waters.

Answer 3

probably because of something called pollution

Answer 4

Pollution would only play a small, local role on the colouration of seawater. Even oil slicks are relatively confined, when you consider the whole country.

No, the reason we have a lot of brown water is to do with two things. Firstly, the dominant input of mud into British shorelines in siliclastic (i.e, SiO3 based, such as Al2SiO3)  rather than carbonate (such as in the Caribbean, which has crystal clear waters - carbonate groups end with CO3, and are predominantly magnesium (MgCO3) or calclium (CaCO3) based. This high level of mud input into British shorelines is one of the main factors in the colour.

Secondly, the water around Britain can be particularly tubid, and we also have strong tides compared to a lot of countries, particularly those closer to the equator. These pull up loose mud from the sea bed and mix it into suspension with the water. You'll probably notice, that on a clear, still day, the water in some areas in considerably bluer than on a windy day that with recent rain (to flush particles out of esturies more rapidly).