- #31
JaredJames
- 2,818
- 22
D H said:
Yep, my initial post here funny enough (even quoted the entire section to help the OP).
He just sort of blanked it.
Panama canal: why don't the two sides level out?
- Thread starter twain
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the reasons for the difference in sea level between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans at the Panama Canal, specifically why the levels do not equalize despite the potential for water flow around South America. Participants explore various factors including ocean currents, density differences, and the role of the canal's locks.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants note that the Pacific side is 20 cm higher than the Atlantic side, questioning why this difference persists.
- Others explain that the locks in the canal regulate water flow, preventing a continuous exchange between the two oceans.
- One participant suggests that prevailing ocean currents contribute to the observed sea level difference, while another questions the seasonal fluctuations of these currents.
- There is a discussion about the consistency of major ocean currents and how geographic features influence them more than seasonal changes.
- Some participants propose hypothetical scenarios involving density changes in lakes to illustrate their points about equilibrium and pressure differences.
- There is contention over whether changes in salt levels or other factors prevent density equalization, with participants clarifying their positions on this matter.
- One participant emphasizes that the differences in sea level are not unique to Panama and are observed in other locations as well.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the causes of the sea level difference, with no consensus reached on the primary factors at play. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of density changes and the role of ocean currents.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference various factors such as ocean currents, density differences, and the influence of geographic features, but the discussion does not resolve the complexities involved in these interactions.