Mapping the Atlantic Ocean Floor- From Cape May to Cape Roca!
In this activity, you will learn how scientists use math to find out about the ocean floor. The data in the table below represents various measurements of the depth of the Atlantic Ocean between Cape May, New Jersey and Cape Roca, Portugal. You will use this data to construct a profile, or side view, of the floor of the Atlantic Ocean between these points.
Table Side One Table Side Two
Distance from Cape May (miles)
|
Depth (feet)
|
Distance from Cape May (miles)
|
Depth (feet)
|
0 miles- Beach at Cape May
|
O feet
|
2200 miles
|
6,900 ft
|
100 miles
|
600 ft
|
2225 miles
|
4500 ft
|
125 miles
|
6,000 ft
|
2325 miles
|
4200 ft
|
325 miles
|
12,000 ft
|
2450 miles
|
3300 ft
|
475 miles
|
15,000 ft
|
2475 miles
|
0 ft
|
650 miles
|
18,000 ft
|
2525 miles
|
6,000 ft
|
900 miles
|
16,800
|
2700 miles
|
12,000 ft
|
1125 miles
|
|
2725 miles
|
|
1300 miles
|
18,750 ft
|
2800 miles
|
16,800 ft
|
1425 miles
|
17,400 ft
|
3150 miles
|
16,200 ft
|
1475 miles
|
12,000 ft
|
3300 miles
|
13,800 ft
|
1600 miles
|
9,600 ft
|
3400 miles
|
|
1900 miles
|
15,000 ft
|
3425 miles
|
3000 ft
|
2000 miles
|
12,600 ft
|
3475 miles
|
600 ft
|
2150 miles
|
10,800 ft
|
3500 miles beach at Cape Roca
|
0 ft
|
What is the minimum depth and how far from Cape May is it located?
What is the maximum depth and how far from Cape May is it located?
Convert the maximum Atlantic Ocean depth into miles (1 mile = 5,280 ft)
Notice that the data for ocean depth is missing for 1125, 2725, and 3400 miles. Estimate and write in the value for ocean depth.
Plot the distance and depth on the graph. Once each point it plotted, CAREFULLY connect the data points.
AFTER creating the ocean floor profile, LABEL the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. At what distance do you find its highest point?
In order to convert sonar data into depth measurements, scientists use the following equation: Depth = ½ V x t where V is a constant = 5,806 feet per second and is the speed of sound in water. Using the formula, complete the table to calculate depth.
Distance for Cape May Time (seconds) Ocean Depth (feet)
-
1,125 miles
|
6.0
|
|
3,400 miles
|
2.07
|
|
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