# Ocean Heat Capacity

1. Oct 24, 2005

### sean1234

Hi,
If a heat flux of of 3W/ meter squared covered the 3.6 X 10^14 meters squared ocean surface and contributed only to a change in temp, how many years to raise average temp of ocean 1 degree C?
I calculated the specific heat of seawater which is 4,000 joules. I am stuck!:surprised

2. Oct 24, 2005

### FredGarvin

What units make up a Watt?

Also, the units for specific heat are going to be $$\frac{J}{kg*K}$$

Last edited: Oct 24, 2005
3. Oct 24, 2005

### sean1234

Watt= 1 joule/sec

4. Oct 24, 2005

### sean1234

I'm confused with the time aspect of energy.

I multiplied (3W)(3.6x10^14)=1.08 x 10^15W = 1.08 x10^15 joules/ sec

5. Oct 24, 2005

### sean1234

(3.6 x 10 ^14)(4000) = 1.44 x 10^18 m^2joules is energy required

I figured t(1.08x10^15)=1.44 x 10^18

But I know this isn't right.

6. Oct 25, 2005

### FredGarvin

Sorry I had to leave you last night...

Look at the units of what you are doing. You said you calculated Cp for seawater. Where did you get that, especially since it's units are incorrect?