Which color disappears first from the spectrum as a diver descends into the water?

As a diver descends into the water, the first color that disappears from the spectrum is red. This is because water absorbs light at different wavelengths, with longer wavelengths (like red) being absorbed more quickly than shorter wavelengths (like blue). At approximately 10 meters (33 feet) deep, red light is almost entirely absorbed, making it the first color to vanish from sight.

This phenomenon occurs due to the way light interacts with water. The deeper you go, the less light remains, and the spectrum shifts to the shorter wavelengths, which means that blues and greens become more prominent at greater depths. Understanding this color absorption is crucial for divers as it affects visibility and colors experienced underwater, as well as for underwater photography and marine life observation.