What is an implosion?
According to an article published in the Encyclopedia Britannica, implosion is when a structure collapses or crumbles inward due to external pressure or force. Unlike an explosion, which involves a sudden release of energy outward, in an implosion the pressure is concentrated inward, causing the object to collapse.
How would it happen to a submarine?
In the context of a submarine, an implosion can occur when the external pressure of the water surrounding the submersible is so intense that it exceeds its ability to withstand. This can cause the structure of the submarine to deform, break, and collapse inward.
Implosions are a significant risk in the deep ocean, where water pressure increases significantly as you descend to greater depths. But there are some other risks such as:
- Absence of light: As you descend to greater depths, sunlight decreases significantly, reaching points where darkness is total. This hinders visibility and can make navigation and exploration in deep water difficult.
- Low temperatures: Temperatures in the depths of the sea are usually much colder than on the surface.
- Oxygen Shortage: At great depths, the oxygen concentration decreases, which can limit the ability to breathe and require additional life support systems for divers and scuba divers.