Causing a stir
Discussions regarding ocean mixing usually involves physical factors as wind, tides, and differences in salinity and temperature. One important factor that has been missed out is the influence of ocean life. The question is that how can the marine biosphere mix the ocean. A sperm whale may provide t...
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| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2007
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| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/1983/af0303db-c57f-4ad6-9c11-341f7699c10f https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/publications/af0303db-c57f-4ad6-9c11-341f7699c10f http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=38549100509&partnerID=8YFLogxK |
| Summary: | Discussions regarding ocean mixing usually involves physical factors as wind, tides, and differences in salinity and temperature. One important factor that has been missed out is the influence of ocean life. The question is that how can the marine biosphere mix the ocean. A sperm whale may provide the mechanical energy to mix the ocean by propelling itself through the water which then produces drag. With this, it is evident enough that a sperm whale will continually inject an average of 5kW of energy to the ocean. Satellite observations were used to estimate the chemical energy stored in phytoplankton which is convertible to mechanical energy by marine creatures. Thus, it may then be compared that marine biosphere may have the power contribution that of the winds and tides. With all of this theories and experiments, it may be certain to say that indeed, the marine biosphere has the ability to mix the ocean. |
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