How Is the Mass of the Top 3.2 Meters of the Ocean Calculated?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the total mass of the top 3.2 meters of the ocean, focusing on the methods and considerations involved in such a calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss approximating the mass by considering the total area of the oceans, the depth of 3.2 meters, and the density of saltwater. There are questions about the accuracy of this approach, particularly regarding the shape of continental shelves and the density variations within the water column.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into potential overestimations in the mass calculation due to factors like density differences and the presence of floating organisms. The conversation is ongoing, with various interpretations and considerations being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for more precise calculations that account for the ocean's varying depth and density, as well as the requirement for the original poster to demonstrate effort in their inquiry.

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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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.
 
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?
 
I doubt it, acutally. It is an overestimate, all the same.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 

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