Why the Bahamas Has the Clearest Water on Earth
Discover the incredible geological secrets behind the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas, from zero rivers to natural seagrass filters, visible even from space.
About this video
Discover the incredible geological secrets behind the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas, from zero rivers to natural seagrass filters, visible even from space.
Full transcript of Why the Bahamas Has the Clearest Water on Earth
Astronauts floating in space can see the bottom of the ocean here with the naked eye. From orbit, the Bahamas looks like a glowing neon-blue scar in the dark sea. This is because this water is almost entirely devoid of dirt. The secret is a massive, four-mile-thick limestone platform called the Great Bahama Bank. Unlike almost every other coastline, these islands have zero rivers. There is no muddy runoff or freshwater sediment spilling into the sea. Even the sand itself is uniquely heavy. Made of calcium carbonate from crushed shells, it sinks instantly instead of floating. On the seafloor, vast meadows of native seagrass act as giant vacuum cleaners. Their roots trap loose particles, keeping the water perfectly still and transparent. This allows sunlight to penetrate over two hundred feet down. It illuminates deep coral reefs that would be pitch black in other oceans. That neon blue water isn't just a pretty beach. It is a geological filter so flawless, it is visible from the stars.