A Massive Underwater Avalanche Lasted Two Days (bbc.com) 13
Slashdot reader SysEngineer shares this report from the BBC:
Scientists are reporting what they say is the longest sediment avalanche yet measured in action. It occurred underwater off West Africa, in a deep canyon leading away from the mouth of the Congo River. Something in excess of a cubic kilometre of sand and mud descended into the deep. This colossal flow kept moving for two whole days and ran out for more than 1,100km across the floor of the Atlantic Ocean.
The event would have gone unrecorded were it not for the fact that the slide broke two submarine telecommunications cables, slowing the internet and other data traffic between Nigeria and South Africa in the process. And also because of the prescient action of researchers who had lined the length of the Congo Canyon with instruments capable of measuring current and sediment velocities.
The event would have gone unrecorded were it not for the fact that the slide broke two submarine telecommunications cables, slowing the internet and other data traffic between Nigeria and South Africa in the process. And also because of the prescient action of researchers who had lined the length of the Congo Canyon with instruments capable of measuring current and sediment velocities.
Other ways to lose service (Score:3)
the slide broke two submarine telecommunications cables, slowing the internet and other data traffic between Nigeria and South Africa in the process
It's not just debris slides which can slow or take out your service. Here's one way it could happen [9cache.com]. And here's another [9cache.com].
And for the record, in regards to underwater cables, in case you wondered [9cache.com].
Re: (Score:2)
And for the record, in regards to underwater cables
A common misconception based on the published underwater profiles having highly exaggerated vertical scales. In reality, most ocean trenches would be like walking down a moderate hill into a valley.
Re: Other ways to lose service (Score:1)
Unnoticed? (Score:3, Insightful)
What a strange way of putting it. It would have gone noticed were it not for something something internet, oh and the fact that we were researching this specific area and had sensors there monitoring it?
That's like saying the murder would have gone unsolved were it not for the fact that someone was waiting for a text from the victim, and I saw it happen.
Re: Unnoticed? (Score:4)
I interpret the statement as this is something that no one would have noticed based upon above-surface observation. That is, there was no significant tsunami or associated earthquake, or anything else that a normal person in the area would have noticed.
The subtext from that statement as I interpret it is that it could be a frequent occurrence elsewhere around the world that just goes unnoticed because there aren't telecom lines and sensors present.
I am curious if the sediment kicked up during the avalanche was visible from space.
Re: (Score:2)
What a strange way of putting it. It would have gone noticed were it not for something something internet, oh and the fact that we were researching this specific area and had sensors there monitoring it?
That's like saying the murder would have gone unsolved were it not for the fact that someone was waiting for a text from the victim, and I saw it happen.
But murders often go unsolved -- one would not be surprised by that. Avalanches unnoticed? Not so much. So not strange at all.
Re: (Score:2)
I always said... (Score:1)
Comment removed (Score:3)
Close but no cigar (Score:2)
So clear now (Score:3)
This could be why the Nigerian prince didn't get the money I sent him. I shouldn't have hesitated when his highness asked me to send him the $5000 again. I better get back at it and those riches will be mine!