SCIENCE IN PICS: Water Refraction due to Temperature

Refraction of water due to temperature differences at Padangbai in Bali, Indonesia. (Matthew Oldfield) The distortion in this image is caused by water at different temperatures mixing together.

The refractive index of water is dependent on its density and hence temperature, leading to distortion effects where upwellings of cold water mix with warm surface waters.

Padangbai, on Bali's east coast, is one of the islands most convenient dive spots.

The powerful currents that flow between the islands of Bali and Lombok produce strong upwellings of cold nutrient-rich water, forming perfect conditions for marine life and in particular, filter feeders like sponges and crinoids.

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The best dive sites are located around several rocky islands just offshore, but dive operators based in Padangbai also run trips across to Nusa Penida and Lembongan.

Matthew Oldfield is a freelance photographer based in Bali, Indonesia, specializing in editorial and documentary images from both above and below the waves. He works primarily with charities, NGO's, and other organizations working to conserve the environment, endangered species, and disappearing cultures.

Matthew is on Twitter @matthewophoto. More of his photos can be found at matthew-oldfield-photography.com


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