– If the pressure at the bottom of the ocean is so extreme, are the molecules pushed closer together? If so, why isn’t it hotter, if the molecules are bumping into each other more?
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Yes, things are closer together, but it’s a tiny effect. The electromagnetic force is many, many times stronger than gravity. Think of it like trying to compress a block of steel by standing on it.
For example, the density of the water at the surface under 1 atmosphere of pressure would be about 1000 kg per cubic meter, while in the Marianas Trench (about 1100 times the pressure), the volume would only be about 5% lower (about 1050 kg per cubic meter), a very small change for a very large increase in pressure. This isn’t nearly enough to generate significant heat, especially when it’s easily conducted into the atmosphere (which is wickedly cold in many places).
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