Underwater demolition: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:58, 9 February 2025

Underwater Demolition

Underwater demolition refers to the process of using explosives to remove obstacles or structures located underwater. This technique is commonly used in military operations, construction, and salvage operations.

History

The origins of underwater demolition can be traced back to the early 19th century. One of the pioneers in this field was Sir Charles Pasley, a British military engineer. In 1839, Pasley conducted one of the first recorded underwater demolitions when he used explosives to destroy the wreck of HMS Royal George at Spithead.

Military Applications

Underwater demolition became a crucial military tactic during World War II. The United States Navy established the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) to clear obstacles and prepare beaches for amphibious landings. These teams were the precursors to the modern Navy SEALs.

Civilian Applications

In civilian contexts, underwater demolition is used in construction projects such as the removal of old bridge piers, docks, and other submerged structures. It is also employed in the salvage industry to break apart shipwrecks or other large debris that cannot be removed intact.

Techniques

Underwater demolition involves the careful placement of explosives to achieve the desired effect while minimizing damage to the surrounding environment. Divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are often used to place charges. The type and amount of explosive used depend on the material and size of the target.

Safety and Environmental Concerns

Safety is a paramount concern in underwater demolition due to the inherent risks of working with explosives underwater. Additionally, there are environmental considerations, as the use of explosives can impact marine life and ecosystems. Regulations and best practices are in place to mitigate these effects.

Related Pages

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-'''Underwater Demolition''' is a strategic process used in military operations, salvage operations, and other underwater activities. It involves the use of explosives to destroy or dismantle underwater structures, obstacles, or other targets.
+== Underwater Demolition ==
+[[File:SirCharlesPasley.jpg|thumb|Sir Charles Pasley, a pioneer in underwater demolition.]]
+Underwater demolition refers to the process of using explosives to remove obstacles or structures located underwater. This technique is commonly used in military operations, construction, and salvage operations.
 == History ==
-The concept of [[Underwater Demolition]] has been in existence since the 19th century, but it was not until World War II that it became a significant part of military strategy. The [[United States Navy]] established the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) in 1943, which later evolved into the [[Navy SEALs]].
+The origins of underwater demolition can be traced back to the early 19th century. One of the pioneers in this field was [[Sir Charles Pasley]], a British military engineer. In 1839, Pasley conducted one of the first recorded underwater demolitions when he used explosives to destroy the wreck of [[HMS Royal George (1756)|HMS ''Royal George'']] at [[Spithead]].
-== Techniques ==
+[[File:To_Colonel_C.W._Pasley,_R.E.C.B._This_print_representing_the_submarine_explosion_of_the_large_cylinder_containing_2300_lbs_of_Powder_against_the_wreck_of_H.M.S._Royal_George,_at_Spithead,_Sepr._23rd_1839_R.S._Thomas,_RMG_PU5963.jpg|thumb|The submarine explosion conducted by Sir Charles Pasley against the wreck of HMS ''Royal George'' in 1839.]]
-Underwater demolition involves a variety of techniques, including the use of [[explosives]], [[torpedoes]], and [[mines]]. The choice of technique depends on the nature of the target, the depth of the water, and other environmental factors.
+== Military Applications ==
-=== Explosives ===
+Underwater demolition became a crucial military tactic during [[World War II]]. The [[United States Navy]] established the [[Underwater Demolition Teams]] (UDTs) to clear obstacles and prepare beaches for amphibious landings. These teams were the precursors to the modern [[Navy SEALs]].
-Explosives are the most common method used in underwater demolition. They can be placed directly on the target or detonated remotely. The type of explosive used depends on the nature of the target and the desired effect.
+== Civilian Applications ==
-=== Torpedoes ===
+In civilian contexts, underwater demolition is used in construction projects such as the removal of old bridge piers, docks, and other submerged structures. It is also employed in the salvage industry to break apart shipwrecks or other large debris that cannot be removed intact.
-Torpedoes are self-propelled weapons with an explosive warhead. They are launched from submarines or surface vessels and are used to destroy underwater targets such as enemy submarines or ships.
+== Techniques ==
-=== Mines ===
-Mines are explosive devices that are placed on the sea floor or floated on the surface of the water. They are used to create a barrier or to destroy ships or submarines that come into contact with them.
+Underwater demolition involves the careful placement of explosives to achieve the desired effect while minimizing damage to the surrounding environment. Divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are often used to place charges. The type and amount of explosive used depend on the material and size of the target.
-== Applications ==
+== Safety and Environmental Concerns ==
-Underwater demolition is used in a variety of applications, including:
+Safety is a paramount concern in underwater demolition due to the inherent risks of working with explosives underwater. Additionally, there are environmental considerations, as the use of explosives can impact marine life and ecosystems. Regulations and best practices are in place to mitigate these effects.
-* [[Military operations]]: Underwater demolition is used to clear obstacles, destroy enemy targets, and create safe passage for friendly forces.
+== Related Pages ==
-* [[Salvage operations]]: Underwater demolition is used to dismantle sunken ships, offshore platforms, and other underwater structures.
-* [[Construction]]: Underwater demolition is used in the construction of bridges, dams, and other structures that require work below the waterline.
-== Safety and Environmental Considerations ==
+* [[Explosive ordnance disposal]]
+* [[Navy SEALs]]
+* [[Salvage (marine)]]
-Underwater demolition is a dangerous activity that requires specialized training and equipment. It also has potential environmental impacts, including damage to marine ecosystems and pollution from explosives and debris.
+{{Portal|Engineering}}
+{{Portal|Military}}
-[[Category:Underwater Demolition]]
+[[Category:Demolition]]
-[[Category:Military Operations]]
+[[Category:Explosives]]
-[[Category:Construction]]
+[[Category:Military engineering]]
-[[Category:Salvage Operations]]
-{{military-stub}}
-{{construction-stub}}
-{{salvage-stub}}