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Matt Rosenberg

Really Hot Water

By , About.com GuideMarch 23, 2009

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Deep in the Atlantic Ocean lie what are called black smokers, hydrothermal vents along the mid-oceanic ridge. Scientists have discovered that the water in and near these vents is quite hot. Water has been found there that is in a "supercritical" state at the well-above-boiling extreme temperature of 464°C (867°F)! Learn more and watch a video at NewScientist.

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March 24, 2009 at 2:42 am
(1) Don Hirschberg says:

The temperature numbers cited are a bit misleading because seawater is not water – it is salt water and therefore has different properties. The hottest liquid water in contact with its vapor can be is about 705 F. The corresponding pressure would be about 3206 psia, pounds per square inch absolute. The article mentions 3 kilometer depth, or about 10,000 feet. At this depth pressure would be more than 4,000 psia, or in the same ball park value.

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