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Originally posted by super70
Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems that if we can build huge underGROUND complexes (NORAD) and some say even massive 'cities', then we could build underwater with great ease. I'm no engineer but I think it is certainly feasable, considering the human population is outgrowing it's land.
The task of building a pressure hull is very difficult, as it must withstand a force of several million tons. When the hull is perfectly round in cross-section, the pressure is evenly distributed, and causes only hull compression. If the shape is not perfect, the hull is bent, with several points heavily strained. Inevitable minor deviations are resisted by the stiffener rings, but even a one inch (25 mm) deviation from roundness results in over 30 percent decrease of maximal hydrostatic load and consequently dive depth.[4] The hull must therefore be constructed with very high precision. All hull parts must be welded without defects, and all joints are checked several times using different methods. This contributes to the very high cost of modern submarines. (For example, each Virginia-class attack submarine costs 2.6 billion dollars, over $200,000 per ton of displacement).
en.wikipedia.org...
Correct me if I'm wrong (and I know you will) but this just makes sense.
Originally posted by super70
It seems to me the best way for mankind to spare itself in the future, is to begin building cities underwater in the oceans and seas.
Deep below the surface of the oceans, the temperature remains fairly constant, and there is no weather to speak of to worry about. All air coming into the cities from long floating tubes could be completely filtered of contaminants and pollution. There are more bodies of water than there is dry land on the earth, so to me it just makes sense.
Man destroying himself through nuclear war aside, we have the very real threat of mass destruction from asteroids and meteors. It seems that if most of civilization could be moved into underwater cities, that man could save himself from extinction.
Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems that if we can build huge underground complexes (NORAD) and some say even massive 'cities', then we could build underwater with great ease. I'm no engineer but I think it is certainly feasible, considering the human population is outgrowing it's land.
Ofcourse scientists want to begin colonizing other planets to ensure our survival, which is absolutely necessary, but with an enormous amount of real estate here on earth still untapped, isn't it a little more cost effective and realistic to start underwater first?
Correct me if I'm wrong (and I know you will) but this just makes sense.