As water depth increases, does temperature go below 0C?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between water temperature and depth, particularly in extreme depths such as 10,000km. It is mentioned that water tends to approach freezing as depth increases, and at high enough pressures, different types of ice can form. However, due to the lack of data for depths below 10,000m, it is uncertain if water temperatures could ever reach absolute zero. This is explained by Le Chatelier's Principle and the formation of different types of ice at extreme pressures.
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After passing the thermocline, in which water temperature decreases rapidly over short distances, temperature falls into a sort of constant-looking decline. However, looking at the graph, it looks almost asymptotic. I've not been able to find a chart measuring water depths below 10,000m, so I'm unable to tell for sure. What happens to water temperature as you dip to truly extreme depths, of which likely do not exist on Earth, like 10,000km? Would water temperatures ever reach absolute zero?
 
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The tendency for water to approach freezing as depth increases is an example of Le Chatelier's Principle. In the ocean, water is least dense at or just above freezing - depending on the depth. This link shows a chart: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/fluid-density-temperature-pressure-d_309.html

At pressures beyond what are found in the ocean, water tends to freeze - and form different kinds of ice. For example, at the normal boiling point (100C) but at pressure 30 times as great as the oceans get (10 GigaPascals), a type of ice forms called ice VII that is about 30% heavier than regular ice.

Other types of ice form at other pressures. This link describes them: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_point

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice#Phases
 
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Related to As water depth increases, does temperature go below 0C?

1. How does water depth affect temperature?

As water depth increases, the pressure on the water increases as well. This pressure causes an increase in the density of the water, which in turn affects its temperature. The deeper the water, the colder it becomes.

2. Can water temperature actually go below 0°C?

Yes, water temperature can go below 0°C, but only in certain conditions. When water is under extreme pressure, such as at the bottom of the ocean, it can remain in a liquid state at temperatures below its freezing point. This is known as supercooling.

3. Why does water temperature decrease with depth?

Water temperature decreases with depth because of the lack of sunlight and the increased pressure. Sunlight cannot penetrate deep into the water, so there is no source of heat. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, increased pressure causes an increase in water density, leading to colder temperatures.

4. Is there a specific depth at which water temperature reaches 0°C?

No, there is no specific depth at which water temperature reaches 0°C. The depth at which the temperature reaches 0°C depends on various factors such as location, salinity, and pressure. In some areas, it may occur at a shallower depth, while in others it may occur at a much deeper depth.

5. How does the temperature of water at different depths affect marine life?

The temperature of water at different depths can greatly affect marine life. Some species of marine life are more adapted to colder temperatures, while others thrive in warmer waters. Changes in water temperature can also affect the distribution and migration patterns of marine organisms, which can have a significant impact on marine ecosystems. Additionally, extreme temperature changes can be harmful to many marine species, leading to disruptions in their growth, reproduction, and survival.

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