As a marine biologist with expertise in oceanography, I can tell you that the pressure at the bottom of the ocean is significantly higher than at sea level. To understand this, we need to consider that pressure in the ocean increases linearly with depth due to the weight of the water column above. At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is approximately 14.5 pounds per square inch (psi). However, the pressure underwater is not just from the atmosphere but also from the water itself. The pressure exerted by water can be calculated using the formula: \[ P = \rho g h \] where: - \( P \) is the pressure, - \( \rho \) (rho) is the density of seawater (approximately 1025 kg/m³), - \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²), - \( h \) is the depth below the surface. For example, at a depth of 6,500 feet, which is the operating limit for the Pisces V submersible, the pressure would be: \[ P = 1025 \, \text{kg/m}^3 \times 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 \times 6500 \, \text{ft} \times \frac{1 \, \text{m}}{3.281 \, \text{ft}} \] \[ P = 1025 \times 9.81 \times 1981.19 \, \text{Pa} \] \[ P \approx 2.02 \times 10^7 \, \text{Pa} \] To convert this to psi, we use the conversion factor \( 1 \, \text{Pa} = 0.000145 \, \text{psi} \): \[ P \approx 2.02 \times 10^7 \, \text{Pa} \times 0.000145 \, \text{psi/Pa} \] \[ P \approx 2.92 \times 10^5 \, \text{psi} \] So, at 6,500 feet, the pressure would be approximately 292,000 psi. It's important to note that this is a simplified calculation and actual pressures can vary due to factors such as temperature and salinity. read more >>

Pressure increases with ocean depth. Pisces V is a three-person submersible that can operate at depths up to 6,500 feet . This vehicle allows scientists to observe the deep sea under tremendous ocean pressure. At sea level, the air that surrounds us presses down on our bodies at 14.5 pounds per square inch .read more >>