Suppose the tank is open to the atmosphere instead of being closed. how does the pressure vary along

Pressure is more in the open container than the closed one.

Explanation:

The pressure due to the fluid at a depth is given by

Pressure = depth x density of fluid x gravity

So, when the container is open, the atmospheric pressure is also add  up but when  the container is closed only the pressure due to the fluid is there.

So, when the container is open, the pressure is atmospheric pressure + pressure due to the fluid.

hen the container is closed only the pressure due to the fluid is there.