The data in the table below represents various measurements of the depth of the

Question

The data in the table below represents various measurements of the depth of the Atlantic Ocean along a line from Cape May, New Jersey and Cape Roca, Portugal. Please notice the data is in two columns of distance and depth. Distance goes from 0 to 3500 miles eastward from Cape May.
You can use this data to construct a profile, or side view, of the floor of the Atlantic Ocean between these points. Use either a separate piece of graph paper or the ocean profile graph sheet provided.

1. The ocean depths in the table are measured in fathoms, where 1 fathom equals 6 feet. Find the minimum and maximum depths in the table. From what point is ocean depth measured?

2. What is the maximum ocean depth between New Jersey and Portugal in feet? In miles? (Hint: one mile = 5,280 feet).

3. Notice that the data for ocean depth at a distance of 2,725 miles is missing from the table. Estimate the depth at this point. Add your estimate to the table and explain any assumptions that you made.

4. Would you choose the same scale for both the vertical and horizontal axes of your graph? Why or why not? What is the effect of your choice on the shape of the graph?

Explanation / Answer

Answer 1- Minimum Depth- 600 feets measured from Cape May and Portugal

Maximum Depth- 18750 feet measured from Cape May

Answer 2- Maximum ocean depth 18750 feet I.e. 3.55 miles

Answer 3- The estimated depth is around 2153 fathoms at point 2725. This is assume considering the fact that from point 2525 to 2800 there is increase in depth. This increase is about 1800 fathoms for a distance of 275 miles thus the average is around 6.4 fathoms per mile. This was further normalized in view of increase in depth at point 2700 and thus an average increase of 6.1 fathoms per mile was assumed.

Answer 4: In ideal situation I would like to use same scales for horizontal as well as verticle distances. Otherwise we would not be able to get a comprehensive profile of depth and distance. If we use different scales we may ending in exaggerating one axis.

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