Electromagnetic Absorption in the Ocean

In summary, the attenuation length is proportional to wavelength - i.e. 1 wavelength down you are down a factor of x, two wavelengths down x2 and so on. So you want to go to very low frequencies.
  • #1
RobbyQ
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The recent rescue operation of a sub in the ocean made me wonder how difficult it is to communicate with underwater vessels. Is it that all parts of the EM spectrum gets absorbed at extreme depths that things like GPS is not possible. I wondered what wavelengths of the spectrum were absorbed first eg at a certain depth all visible must be absorbed as the the sub is in complete darkness.
 
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The attenuation length is proportional to wavelength - i.e. 1 wavelength down you are down a factor of x, two wavelengths down x2 and so on. So you want to go to very low frequencies.

Unfortionately, the maximum data transmission rate is proportional to frequency. So the deeper you go, the less communication you have with the outside world.

GPS odes not work on submerged vessels. There are other navigation methods. (And people were able to suvvessfully navigate ships before GPS - honest!)
 
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  • #3
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!)
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.
 
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"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?
 
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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?
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.
 
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RobbyQ said:
Let's stick to the original question about locating it and EM degradation.
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.

 
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Related to Electromagnetic Absorption in the Ocean

What is electromagnetic absorption in the ocean?

Electromagnetic absorption in the ocean refers to the process by which electromagnetic waves, such as light and radio waves, are absorbed by water molecules and other substances in the ocean. This absorption results in the attenuation of the waves' intensity as they penetrate deeper into the water.

How does the wavelength of electromagnetic waves affect their absorption in the ocean?

The wavelength of electromagnetic waves significantly affects their absorption in the ocean. Shorter wavelengths, such as ultraviolet and visible light, are absorbed more quickly and do not penetrate deeply. Longer wavelengths, such as radio waves, can penetrate further but are still subject to absorption depending on their frequency and the water's properties.

Why is understanding electromagnetic absorption in the ocean important for underwater communication?

Understanding electromagnetic absorption in the ocean is crucial for underwater communication because it determines the optimal frequencies for transmitting signals. High absorption rates at certain frequencies can limit the range and effectiveness of communication systems, making it essential to choose frequencies that minimize absorption and maximize signal penetration.

What factors influence the rate of electromagnetic absorption in the ocean?

Several factors influence the rate of electromagnetic absorption in the ocean, including the salinity, temperature, and depth of the water, as well as the presence of dissolved substances and particles. These factors can alter the water's electrical conductivity and dielectric properties, affecting how electromagnetic waves are absorbed.

How does electromagnetic absorption impact marine life and oceanographic research?

Electromagnetic absorption can impact marine life by affecting the penetration of sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis in marine plants and algae. It also influences the design and deployment of oceanographic instruments, such as sonar and remote sensing devices, which rely on the propagation of electromagnetic waves to collect data and monitor ocean conditions.

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