Question

You are on an expedition with a friend. As scientists, you are both learning about glaciers and their characteristics. You are both surprised to see in person that glaciers can look blue in color. Why is this the case? How will you explain your findings to your colleagues?

Answer 1

Because the red (long wavelengths) part of white light is absorbed by ice and the blue (short wavelengths) light is transmitted and scattered. The longer the path light travels in ice, the more blue it appears.