Which characteristic indicates the clarity of water based on the light that is scattered?

The characteristic that indicates the clarity of water based on the light that is scattered is turbidity. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness or haziness of a liquid caused by the presence of suspended particles, which can include sediments, organic matter, and microorganisms. When light passes through water, these suspended particles scatter the light, leading to a decrease in clarity. Higher turbidity levels typically indicate a greater amount of suspended particulates, which can negatively affect aquatic ecosystems, drinking water quality, and hinder recreational water activities. By assessing turbidity, water quality analysts can gauge the overall health of a water body and its suitability for various uses.