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Because they are made from chalk (calcium carbonate) which is a white material.

The truth is that they are really not that white. If you looked closely you would find that some parts are absolutely full of plant growth and flint.

The effect that causes them to be "so white" also has to do with reflection of light.

The calcium carbonate form coccolith structures that can reflect light. The (south-)western orientation of the cliffs in combination with the rising sun generate the reflection and "light up" the cliffs.

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βˆ™ 12y ago
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βˆ™ 6mo ago

The White Cliffs of Dover are composed of chalk, a soft, white limestone formed from the remains of marine organisms. The white color comes from the high concentration of calcium carbonate in the chalk.

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βˆ™ 16y ago

The cliff face, which reaches up to 350 feet high, owes its striking façade to its composition of chalk (pure white calcium carbonate) accentuated by streaks of black flint.

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βˆ™ 14y ago

They are mad of chalk, or the shells of microorganisms that lived in shallow seas millions of years ago.

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Q: Why are the White cliffs of Dover white?
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