[EN] A strange inter-oceanic barrier

voltagrou (48)in #science • 6 years ago

Hello Steemians!

I see a amazing video that bluffed me.

I inquired about this phenomenon apparently very well known, I felt really stupid following this.

For those who do not know what it is I make you a short article based on sources that will be well heard provided at the end as well as in the article.

* * * Discovery * * *

The term that comes up most to name these phenomena is: front, frontal line, frontal zone or frontal interface.

The first discovery of this phenomenon dates back to the expedition of the HMS Challenger which began on December 21, 1872, the boat was rehabilitated during 2 years by the Royal Society of London from 1870 to 1872. A report was published following this 3-year voyage that responsible for the deaths of 10 crew members.

In 1930, a second expedition was conducted in the Gulf of Mexico, with more modern equipment and greater knowledge, they demonstrated the existence of different oceans that touched each other without blending.

Subsequently the other expeditions allowed to analyze all the characteristics of these fronts.

* * * Explanation * * *

The water constituting the different oceans have their own compositions, the most important elements being the salt content in the water and the temperature as well as the surface tension.

Salt levels and different temperatures create the circulation of these two liquids, the saltier and warmer liquid will tend to slip below the other until equilibrium. For more information do not hesitate to consult the thermohaline circulation page.

As far as surface tension is concerned, it is expressed in Newton per meter or in Joules per square meters. The example that no doubt everyone knows is the fact that oil and water do not mix, so we say that these two liquids are immiscible.

Other factors include electrostatic force, forces of attraction and repulsion, and Van Der Waals forces.