Question

At a given latitude, ocean water in the so-called "mixed layer" (from the surface to a depth of about 50 m) is at approximately the same temperature due to the mixing action of waves. Assume that because of global warming, the temperature of the mixed layer is everywhere increased by 0.1 ∘C, while the temperature of the deeper portions of the ocean remains unchanged.Estimate the resulting rise in sea level. The ocean covers about 70 %of the Earth's surface.

Express your answer using one significant figure.

plz...

Answer 1

as water is on the surface, we can model volume of water as a shell with thickness 'd'

so,

V = 4 * pi * r² * d

where r is radius of earth

so,

change in volume can be written as

V = V * * T

4 * pi * r² * d = 4 * pi * r² * d * * T

cancel all the like terms, we are left with

d = d * * T

d = 50 * 210e-6 / ^oC * 0.1 ^oC

d = 1.05e-3 m

or

d = 1.05 mm

IN ONE SIGNIFICANT FIGURE

d = 0.001 meters

or

d = 1 mm