Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/24/2007 - 09:20
Forums
Ask Ms. Staup

Hi, Robyn:

Hope all is well there....my question is how many orcas did you see in one day?

Can you explain why the cups did what they did...was it water pressure or the coldness of the water?

clk

Tue, 04/24/2007 - 12:53

Robyn Sweet

Hi Connie!! 
I saw eight orcas in one day. The ability to see the wildlife while onboard is all about where you are on the boat. The best place to be is on the bridge but you can't be in the science labs. So I try to spend my time a little bit everywhere.
 
The cups were made of styrofoam which contains plenty of air space. The cups began to shrink while in the deep water because of pressure. The pressure got to about 271 atm. The pressure basically pushed all those small air pockets out, leaving the cups smaller in size, about 2 ounces.
 
Robyn
 

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 09:31

Guest

Thanks, Robyn, for the explantion!...did you know what the water temperture was when you placed the cups in the water--you know, cold vs warm?....and does the temperture affect the pressure of the water--just wondering!
 Connie  :)
 

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 10:00

Class-Beckendorf

Robyn, Jose wants to know if the Orcas always travel in pods.Talk to you tomorrow.
Kirk

Mon, 04/30/2007 - 08:46

Robyn Sweet

Connie- 
The temperature for that CTD was a surface temp of -1 degrees Celsius and by 40 meters down it warmed up to 1.8 degrees Celsius. For gases, temperature and pressure are inversely related. In Arctic waters, it is more strongly influenced by the density.
 

Mon, 04/30/2007 - 08:47

Robyn Sweet

Jose- 
Orcas usually travel in pods anywhere from 2-3 up to 12-15 and even more.
If you do only see one by itself, there are usually others traveling nearby within 2-3 miles. The males will travel alone but the females are usually found with their offspring and other female relatives. 
 
Thanks 
Robyn