The discussion centers on the challenges of electromagnetic (EM) communication with underwater vessels, particularly in the context of recent rescue operations. Participants explore the absorption of different wavelengths in ocean depths, the limitations of GPS, and alternative navigation methods, as well as the practicality of rescuing submarines from significant depths.
Participants express a range of views on the effectiveness of EM communication underwater, with some agreeing on its limitations while others emphasize alternative methods. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approaches for locating submerged vessels and the practicalities of rescue operations.
Participants note the dependence on specific conditions such as depth and the type of navigation technology available, as well as the unresolved nature of sonar resolution capabilities in deep water scenarios.
Thanks for the clarification. I was thinking more about GPS position being relayed to the outside world (not so much their own navigation) in terms of the rescuers being able to locate them. But I see this isn't possible from your information.Vanadium 50 said:GPS odes not work on submerged vessels. There are other navigation methods. (And people were able to suvvessfully navigate ships before GPS - honest!)
Not suggesting anyone could swim to that depth or any Hollywood connotations. And it's not just the depth it's the area. Let's stick to the original question about locating it and EM degradation.Vanadium 50 said:"Rescuing" a disabled submarine is more Hollywood than reality. It's happened a handful of times, like the USS Squalus. This was in the 30's and amazingly more than half the crew survived.
If this is about the Titanic submersible, the problem isn't that we don't know where it is. The problem is that we know where it is. It's in 2-1/2 miles of water. Now what do we do? Can you swim 2-1/2 miles? On one breath?
EM is useless underwater, so scanning sonar is the best bet for finding the lost sub. If there were an attack sub in the area, they could likely search the bottom with their scanning sonar, although I have no idea what kind of resolution they might have with that system. The Seawolf class subs would be able to go down to 490m max, so that's still a long way from the bottom. I also don't know how good their scanning sonar resolution is when looking way down below the sub like that.RobbyQ said:Let's stick to the original question about locating it and EM degradation.