Random oceanography related mathematics

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical problem related to oceanography, specifically calculating the time required for the entire volume of the Atlantic Ocean to circulate through deep water based on the flow rate of the North Atlantic deep-water current.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to convert the volume of the Atlantic Ocean into Sverdrups and question the calculations involved in determining the total time for circulation. There are attempts to relate the problem to a simpler scenario involving speed and distance, and some participants express uncertainty about their calculations and the rules of the forum.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the problem with participants sharing their calculations and reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to show work before receiving help, and there is a recognition of potential errors in the calculations presented. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly regarding the conversion of units and the final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating forum rules that require them to demonstrate their thought process before receiving assistance. There is also mention of simplifying the problem and potential typos in calculations that could affect the outcome.

Dangshnizzle
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Problem Given:

Scientists estimate that the flow southward of the North Atlantic deep-water current is 10 Sverdrups.
(A Sverdrup is 1 million meters3 per second)
If the volume of the Atlantic Ocean is 3.24 X 1017 meters3, how many years would be required for the entire Atlantic Ocean to circulate through deep water?

Please explain how you got your answer
Thanks in advance guys!
 
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Dangshnizzle said:
Please explain how you got your answer
Thanks in advance guys!
We can't do that. That's against the rules here. You have to show us whatever work you've tried first.

If you don't know what to do, consider this problem: I am driving a car 80 km/h. If I traveled 240 km, how much time did I take? To solve this, I would divide 240 km by 80 km/h to get 3 hours. You'll have to do something similar in your problem, but in addition, you will have to convert your answer from seconds to years.
 
Hahah, yeah yeah yeah. By the way, I simplified the problem already to leave out all the parts I have already done because I was not aware of this rule. But, okay so first , from here, I would divide the volume of the Atlantic that I got by a million. Get 314 billion. That should be the number of Sverdrups it would need to go through to move the whole ocean. But don't you need to divided that again, by ten? Getting the number those particular currents will require? Next I need to know seconds to a year. Now can you finish it for me?:D
 
Okay kept going and pretty sure the answer is that all of the Atlantic Ocean can be moved through these deep currents in 995 years, 251 days, 20 hours, and 24 minutes ;)
 
Dangshnizzle said:
Okay kept going and pretty sure the answer is that all of the Atlantic Ocean can be moved through these deep currents in 995 years, 251 days, 20 hours, and 24 minutes ;)

Probably close enough. I wouldn't worry about the days, minutes and seconds. I would would worry about how you started with 324 divided by a power of 10 and got 314. Typo?
 

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