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Ocean Thermal Expansion In Theory and by a Simple Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Nils-Axel Mörner

    (Paleogeophysics & Geodynamics, Sweden)

  • Stein Storlie Bergmark

    (Former Assistant. Professor, University of Agder, Norway)

Abstract

Temperature changes in the ocean water masses affect the vertical height of the water column by expansion at heating and contraction at cooling. The surface change is a function of the amount of heating and the depth of heating (or cooling). A heating of 0.55 °C as observed for the upper 100 m of the ocean surface would correspond to a sea level expansion of 9 mm. A heating of 2.0 °C would rise a 300 m water column by +10 cm, a 100 m water column by +3.5 cm and a 10 m water column by +3.5 mm. At the shore there will be no rise at all, as there is no water to expand, and the offshore expansion will not flow laterally to the shore (Thermal Expansion, Encyclopedia of Coastal Science, 2017). We will demonstrate this with a simple physical experiment (communicating vessels), which can be repeated by anyone.

Suggested Citation

  • Nils-Axel Mörner & Stein Storlie Bergmark, 2019. "Ocean Thermal Expansion In Theory and by a Simple Experiment," Oceanography & Fisheries Open Access Journal, Juniper Publishers Inc., vol. 10(3), pages 84-87, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:adp:jofoaj:v:10:y:2019:i:3:p:84-87
    DOI: 10.19080/OFOAJ.2019.10.555787
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