Why does the water around the Bahamas on satellite maps look discolored or light?

Question

Is the surrounding seabed that shallow?

In: Other

Answer 1

There are huge areas which are very shallow, 1-3 feet. So you are seeing the white sand under the water.

Answer 2

phytoplankton produce about 70% of the earths oxygen. This is the discoloration you see along the coast. If you google phytoplankton, you will see some pretty cool photos.