I want to know why

[devonwoody]

Rain plays a role in the hydrologic cycle in which moisture from the oceans evaporates, condenses into drops, precipitates (falls) from the sky, and eventually returns to the ocean via rivers and streams to repeat the cycle again.

Above is according to Wiki.

So if the Atlantic creates the rain that we get in Europe why isn't it that the North Sea is at times a lot higher than the Atlantic Ocean.
Also the North sea should by now be like a bowl of soup.

 

[patl]

Erm...
Because water finds its own level and the North sea is connected to the atlantic. Or did I miss the joke :?

 

[devonwoody]

Erm...
Because water finds its own level and the North sea is connected to the atlantic. Or did I miss the joke :?

Well the North sea aught to be higher whilst it drains back to the Atlantic.

 

[Slim]

I can see your point DW, but it is the moon that has the greatest effect, ie high and low tides.

 

[exigetastic]

It's a bit like the Irish water skiing lakes


Though you are right, in reality the sea isn't flat

http://topex-www.jpl.nasa.gov/overview/overview.html


Si

 

[devonwoody]

I can see your point DW, but it is the moon that has the greatest effect, ie high and low tides.

But when we get a high tide period we look at tables to calculate the height and rainfall doesnt enter that equation.

Also the link above doesnt explain why after an exceptional wet season the outflow is not noticed, when considering the tide tables.

 

[Slim]

But when we get a high tide period we look at tables to calculate the height and rainfall doesnt enter that equation.

I would have thought that the volume of water in the atmosphere and on land was fairly constant, so it would not need to be taken into account.

According to this, 97% of the earths water is contained in the oceans and seas. So there would be a neglegable effect on the sea levels if there was an unusually wet or dry period.

 

[wizer]

I'd love to have time to think about such things

 

[devonwoody]

I'd love to have time to think about such things

One day you will be retired and it is unsuitable to go out to the workshop. :wink:

 

[cambournepete]

in reality the sea isn't flat

A past working life springs to mind... Do a google search for GEOID.

 

[devonwoody]

in reality the sea isn't flat

A past working life springs to mind... Do a google search for GEOID.

You are obviously very well read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoid

That solves my height of water query, the soup problem I suppose has got to get worse before I need a spoon.

 

[newt]

I have never undestood how water can find its own level when the earth is round, therefore all water must be curved. :lol:

 

[Paul Chapman]

when the earth is round

You mean it's not flat :? :? :lol:

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[cambournepete]

You are obviously very well read.

Not really - I used to work for the National Remote Sensing Centre and spent several months writing software to convert satellite radar altimeter data into a model of the geoid.

 

[devonwoody]

You are obviously very well read.

Not really - I used to work for the National Remote Sensing Centre and spent several months writing software to convert satellite radar altimeter data into a model of the geoid.

Remind me never to play poker with you then.

 

[DaveL]

when the earth is round

You mean it's not flat :? :? :lol:

Oh its round and flat, just not spherical. :roll:
(Pass the dried frog pills.)

 

[Dog]

Dried Frog Pills :shock: I've eaten most things but never had the pleasure of those :wink:

You learn a lot more on this Forum than just woodworking but at the risk of requiring the 'dried frog pills' to be passed around, why is the sea so blue in the med but not at all the same colour in the atlantic ?

 

[Bodrighy]

why is the sea so blue in the med but not at all the same colour in the atlantic ?

The density of the water e.g. the salinity and the temperatur effect changes the amount of light that is absorbed and/or reflected thus creating a different optical illusion. I was at sea for a good few years and saw rivers in the middle of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans where currents of different temperatures and salinities would cause this far out to sea. The depth of the water also has an effect as well.The Med is to all intents and purposes stagnant and doesn't actually move around and therefore dilute the pollutants that have flowed into it for centuries. It has very few large rivers flowing into it apart from the Nile which is itself badly polluted. If you were aware of the actual composition of it I doubt if you would ever swim in it as it is one of the most polluted bodies of water on the earth apart from the Black Sea despite it's apparent clear look.

Pete

 

[Dog]

Thanks for explaining it Pete, I've learnt something new today