Pressure and Buoyancy in Aquatic Ecosystems. Physical Processes in Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems, Transport Processes

Abstract

This module is part of a series designed to be used by life science students for instruction in the application of physical theory to ecosystem operation. Most modules contain computer programs which are built around a particular application of a physical process. This module explores some of the characteristics of aquatic organisms which can be explained in terms of pressure and buoyancy. Emphasis is placed on physical laws which illustrate how organisms interact with their environment. The two physical properties of primary concern are density and viscosity. The effects or pressure caused by the density of water and the problems of flotation and buoyancy in static water are discussed. A problem set illustrates and extends ideas presented in the text. An accompanying computer program, BUOY, permits the student to investigate the sinking of plankters. A knowledge of calculus and differential equations is presumed. (Author/CS)