Following the sinking of the Russian submarine Poseidon in the Arctic, we all reflected on the possible actions of the Putin administration. This curiosity is not surprising, as the vessel in question is commonly known as "the weapon of the Apocalypse" for reasons that are quite obvious. The catastrophic consequences that could result from its deployment are numerous, one of the most unsettling being the possibility of radioactive tsunamis . Many people are wondering what a radioactive tsunami is.
Therefore, in this article we are going to tell you what a radioactive tsunami is and how it can be generated.
What is a radioactive tsunami?
These particular tsunamis, aptly named, occur simultaneously with the release of radiation. They are triggered specifically by the detonation of an atomic bomb beneath the ocean's surface. This action not only disperses radioactive substances, contaminating both the water and adjacent landmasses, but also has the potential to induce a tsunami similar to those that follow major seismic events.
Coastal cities face the potential for devastating consequences, and what makes this threat even more worrisome is its elusive nature. It has the ability to evade U.S. tracking systems, making it difficult to anticipate. To better understand this type of phenomenon, it's helpful to examine how a typical tsunami occurs.
Building on the devastating impact of regular tsunamis, the severity of the situation escalates to include the dangerous threat of radioactive tsunamis. Previously, the term "tsunamis" was used to describe waves generated by hurricanes and typhoons over the ocean. However, it's important to note that these waves are actually surface disturbances of the water. While they can be quite forceful, they do not possess the same level of intensity as what is now recognized as a true tsunami.
Origin of a tsunami
The origin of these waves can be traced back to the abrupt vertical movements of the ocean floor. This displacement causes a significant amount of water to become unbalanced, resulting in violent shaking as it struggles to regain its balance, eventually forming massive waves.
Several factors can cause the seabed to shift vertically. One of the most frequent causes is seismic activity, such as earthquakes. A notable example of this is the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, which was later depicted in Juan Antonio Bayona's film, The Impossible.
In 2011, tsunamis also occurred after the earthquake that triggered the explosion at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. This incident coincided with the unintentional release of radioactive materials.
It is conceivable that tsunamis can be triggered by volcanic activity beneath the ocean's surface. An illustrative example of this phenomenon occurred in January when the Tonga volcano erupted with such force that it generated tsunamis that reached as far as Peru, an astonishing distance of 10.000 kilometers. This type of volcanic activity is fundamental to understanding the origins of tsunamis and their potential consequences.
In addition to rare underwater impacts caused by meteorites, deliberate underwater nuclear explosions can also produce large waves, giving rise to what is commonly known as a radioactive tsunami.
The danger of Poseidon
Armed with a 2-megaton nuclear warhead, Poseidon is a nuclear-powered underwater drone. However, instead of directly targeting its intended objectives, the warhead detonates underwater, creating radioactive tsunamis that have the potential to devastate coastal cities located several kilometers inland.
While it is true to recognize that an aircraft has the potential to inflict greater devastation and produce deeper repercussions as a result of radioactivity, it is important to recognize the unique capabilities that submarines like the Poseidon possess. These underwater vessels have the extraordinary ability to remain near enemy coasts for long periods of time, meticulously planning the opportune moment to unleash their destructive force without any possibility of interception. Given this knowledge, it is completely reasonable to understand why so many people are filled with anticipation and concern regarding the possible movement of the drone.
Poseidon Potential
The Poseidon, also known as Canyon in the United States, is an autonomous underwater weapon that functions as a nuclear-powered torpedo, capable of carrying a 2-megaton nuclear warhead , according to the source. However, it possesses a destructive power approximately one hundred times greater than that of the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The drone is classified as such for its ability to navigate independently or under remote control, allowing the possibility of redirection or even termination before reaching its intended destination.
In terms of size, this torpedo is truly remarkable, surpassing even the dimensions of a ballistic missile and dwarfing a standard torpedo by a factor of thirty. With an astonishing length of 24 meters, it stands as one of the largest torpedoes ever built. Its impressive capabilities include a projected range of at least 10.000 km, a remarkable speed of between 129 and 200 km/h, and the extraordinary ability to dive to depths of up to 1,000 meters.
During a speech in 2018, Vladimir Putin presented the Poseidon as a key component of Russia's strategic arsenal. The Russian president emphasized that this torpedo possesses unparalleled capabilities, including unlimited range, the ability to operate at extreme depths, and a speed that far exceeds that of any other submarine or torpedo.
In January of this year, the Russian state news agency TASS highlighted the Poseidon as the initial fleet of nuclear-capable super torpedoes considered unstoppable. Dmitry Kiselyov, a television presenter closely linked to Putin, vividly described the underwater drone's potential to generate a tsunami, submerging the UK under a colossal 500-meter-high tidal wave saturated with radioactive seawater.
The weapon has an apocalyptic image that does not hide its notable advantage: the ability to outwit Europe's ballistic missile systems. According to specialists, the deployment of underwater weapons constitutes an injustice that allows Russia to circumvent the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMD).
The primary goal of the US satellite network is to locate and monitor ballistic missiles, but it lacks the ability to effectively detect underwater activities. Additionally, the construction of the Poseidon submarine supposedly allows it to emit minimal heat and move silently, allowing it to evade detection by sonar and naval defenses set up to safeguard territories against submarine attacks.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what a radioactive tsunami is and its possible consequences.