Mass of 3.2m of Ocean

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In summary, calculating the total mass for the top 3.2 meters of the ocean can be approximated by multiplying the total area of oceans by 3.2 meters and the density of salt water. However, this may be an overestimate as it does not take into account the shape of continental shelves. Additionally, factors such as the less dense top layer of seawater and the presence of floating algae can further impact the accuracy of the estimate. To obtain a more precise answer, it is necessary to consider the turbulent mixing of the ocean.
  • #1
Smazmbazm
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How would one work out the total mass for the top 3.2 meters of the ocean?

Thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2
You could easily approximate it by taking the total area of oceans and multiplying it by 3.2 metres and the denisty of salt water.
It will be an overestimate, though. You'd need to take into account the shape of continental shelfs for a more precise answer.
 
  • #3
Bandersnatch said:
It will be an overestimate, though. You'd need to take into account the shape of continental shelfs for a more precise answer.

So the location of the bottom changes that much over 3.2 meters of depth?
 
  • #4
I doubt it, acutally. It is an overestimate, all the same.
 
  • #5
more reasons for an overestimate

Given that the top 3.2 meters of seawater would be less dense than the lower sections (we do not have a perfect diffusion, after all), and that there are algae and such that float within the water and hence have less density, i would hypothesize that the esimate given previously would overestimate quite substantially, given the huge volume being approximated.
 
  • #6
quiconnait said:
Given that the top 3.2 meters of seawater would be less dense than the lower sections (we do not have a perfect diffusion, after all),

No, but we do have pretty good turbulent mixing.
 
  • #7
Smazmbazm said:
How would one work out the total mass for the top 3.2 meters of the ocean?

Thanks in advance!

Thread moved to Homework Help.

@Smazmbazm -- You *must* show some effort of your own on schoolwork-type questions. Please check your PMs and then post your work here in the thread.
 

1. What is the definition of "Mass of 3.2m of Ocean"?

The mass of 3.2m of ocean refers to the total amount of matter contained within a column of ocean water that is 3.2 meters in height.

2. How is the mass of 3.2m of ocean calculated?

The mass of 3.2m of ocean is calculated by multiplying the density of seawater (typically around 1025 kg/m3) by the volume of ocean water (3.2m x surface area of the ocean).

3. What factors can affect the mass of 3.2m of ocean?

The mass of 3.2m of ocean can be affected by changes in the density of seawater, such as temperature and salinity variations, as well as the surface area of the ocean due to tides and currents.

4. Why is the mass of 3.2m of ocean important in oceanography?

The mass of 3.2m of ocean is important in oceanography as it is used to measure and understand the movement of water and the distribution of nutrients and organisms within the ocean. It can also provide insight into the Earth's climate and weather patterns.

5. How does the mass of 3.2m of ocean compare to the total mass of the Earth's oceans?

The mass of 3.2m of ocean is a small fraction of the total mass of the Earth's oceans. The total mass of the oceans is estimated to be around 1.4 x 10^21 kg, while the mass of 3.2m of ocean would be around 3.3 x 10^15 kg.

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