explain the height difference between Pacific and Atlantic oceans please?

Answer 1

As you say, sea level is actually not "level"; there is a distinct difference between the level across the Panama Isthmus, which had to be taken into account by the canal designers.

The sea around the bay of Bengal is significantly lower than that along the coast of Peru, which contributes to the greater height of the Himalaya compared with the Andes (not the only reason though).

So, how can the sea not be "level"? Because gravity is not equal all over the world. There is a global variation, with a steady increase from the equator to the poles, but also rock crust of different densities "pulls up" different masses of water.

Water tempreature also contributes, but gravity is the main cause of differences.

What we refer to as "sea level" across the world is a theoretical surface called the "Geoid". At sea this level is simply where the water surface is, while on land the Geoid is where sea water would rise to if there was a direct connection to the sea.

There is also a mean smooth surface (called the Spheroid) which is where a "level" sea would be in a uniform world. The Geoid can range up to 100m either side of this.

Answer 2

I'm not sure of the height difference between the Pacific & Atlantic Oceans, but there are areas in each ocean that are higher than others.

This difference in ocean topography within each basin are caused by maximum & minima of water temperatures (and depth of the thermocline) and wind effects.

Latest data
http://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/science/jason1-quick-look/2006/images/20060807G.jpg


http://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/science/jason1-quick-look/

Answer 3

The Pacific ocean is saltier than the atlantic Ocean for a variety of reasons including weather and oceanic circulation. Because the Pacific Ocean is saltier it is denser and requires less water to be at the same density than the Atlantic this is why the pacific has less water than the Atlantic

Answer 4

Do you mean depth? The Atlantic Ocean has an average depth of 3926 m (12,881 ft). At its deepest point, in the Puerto Rico Trench, the bottom is 8742 m (28,681 ft) below the surface. The Pacific Ocean's average depth is 4282 m (14,049 ft). The greatest known depth in any of the world's oceans is 11,033 m (36,198 ft) in the Mariana Trench off Guam.

Answer 5

recently read the arctic ocean was getting lower as opposed to other oceans rising! just a measurement / no explanation.. i read el nino effected differences of ocean height in the pacific.

Answer 6

'Water does seek its own level, but in the oceans, it might be better to say that water is always seeking its own level; that is why it is always moving. Wind, uneven surface heating and cooling, evaporation and precipitation, and tidal effects all conspire to constantly un-level the oceans. If all these factors stopped and let the ocean settle down, it would eventually come to rest at sea-level.'

Answer 7

Read thr answers given by Paul FB and Matahari . Good explanation.

Answer 8

Are you suggesting that "sea level" is higher for one ocean
than the other ??
No...These two oceans comingle in several places..

Answer 9

Their persective of the US. A bit like England and China.

Answer 10

i didn't know there was a difference i thought they were both at "sea level".