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Submarine

✨ The traveler of the deep

A submarine is a vessel designed to travel underwater for extended periods. Its pressure-resistant hull protects the crew and equipment from the increasing pressure found at greater depths. To dive, a submarine takes water into ballast tanks, increasing its overall density and causing it to descend. To rise, compressed air can force water out of these tanks, making the submarine more buoyant.

Once underwater, diving planes and control systems help regulate depth and attitude. Propulsion is usually provided by a propeller or another underwater propulsion system. Modern submarines can use different energy sources: conventional vessels may rely on diesel engines and batteries, while nuclear-powered submarines use a reactor to generate energy for long-duration operations.

Inside the submarine, systems maintain suitable air pressure and provide oxygen while removing carbon dioxide and other unwanted gases. Navigation underwater can rely on instruments such as sonar, which uses sound waves to detect objects and measure distances. Because radio signals do not travel efficiently through seawater, communication with the surface can be more limited than for ships operating above water.

Submarines are used for scientific research, oceanographic observation, rescue operations and military missions, depending on their design. Research submarines can carry instruments or remotely operated equipment to study deep-sea environments. Their ability to control buoyancy and operate beneath the surface makes them valuable tools for exploring parts of the ocean that are difficult to reach by conventional vessels.

💡 Did you know?

Do you know how people see outside while underwater? They use a periscope, a long tube with mirrors that sticks out of the water. But when diving very deep, they mostly use 'sonar': sending out sound waves to find obstacles.

Living in a submarine is a bit like living in space. Sailors can stay enclosed for several months without ever seeing the sun! They have to make their own breathable air and turn seawater into fresh water for drinking.

The deepest-diving submarine in the world reached the bottom of the Mariana Trench, over 10,900 meters below sea level! Down there, the pressure is so high it's like having an elephant standing on your pinky toe.

The first military submarine was called the 'Turtle'. It was a wooden cabin for just one person who had to pedal by hand to turn the propeller. It wasn't very fast at all!