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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Smazmbazm
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mass Ocean
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The total mass of the top 3.2 meters of the ocean can be approximated by multiplying the total surface area of the oceans by 3.2 meters and the density of saltwater. However, this method results in an overestimate due to the varying density of seawater at different depths and the presence of less dense materials such as algae. For a more accurate calculation, one must consider the shape of continental shelves and the effects of turbulent mixing, which influence the density distribution in the upper layers of the ocean.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of oceanography and seawater density
  • Familiarity with basic mathematical calculations involving area and volume
  • Knowledge of the effects of turbulent mixing in fluids
  • Concept of continental shelf topography
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the density variations of seawater at different depths
  • Study the impact of turbulent mixing on ocean stratification
  • Explore methods for calculating ocean mass using geographic data
  • Learn about the topography of continental shelves and its effects on ocean measurements
USEFUL FOR

Students in oceanography, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in marine studies or ocean mass calculations.

Smazmbazm
Messages
45
Reaction score
0
How would one work out the total mass for the top 3.2 meters of the ocean?

Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

Electrodynamics problem -- Calculating the resistance of ocean water
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
How Does Balloon Volume Change During Ocean Descents?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Volume of ice needed to mitigate ocean warming since 1871
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Comparison between two Tippe tops
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
765
Where Is the Center of Mass of a Leg?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Finding mass of unbalanced meter stick from torque
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How can I calculate the rate of energy absorption from nuclear decay?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Kinetic energy in ocean current
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Lifting power at the bottom of the ocean?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K