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Though modern submarines are affected by surface weather and tidal forces if close enough to the surface (I've experienced 12 - 15 degree rolls at 400' as a hurricane passed over us, and other submariners have reported up to 40-50 degree rolls in Category 4/5 hurricanes, even at test depth), tsunamis are only deadly to submarines as they approach shallower areas of land, which aren't really deep enough for submerged operations.

The only real threat would be a tsunami hitting a coastal area without warning if the boat was underway surfaced in shallow water (e.g., entering or exiting a harbor area), or if it was moored at a pier when one struck. In such a case, it would be subjected to tidal stresses similar to a hurricane storm surge or worse, depending on the strength of the wave. Hurricanes give enough warning that oceangoing vessels can emergency sortie (get underway) quickly to clear port before it hits, as all ships and submarines are designed to handle severe weather at sea. In port however, it's a much different story, as the tidal forces can literally bring a boat out of the water if it isn't prepared properly.

In one such instance I remember, as Tropical Storm Dean headed the East Coast in 1983, we had to emergency sortie to clear Charleston harbor, but one boat, USS Narwhal(SSN-671) was undergoing significant engine repairs and couldn't get underway. The only solution was to submerge the boat at the pier, making her as heavy as possible with variable ballast, hoping that any storm surge wouldn't be strong enough to damage her. Fortunately, the bulk of the storm passed Charleston, and she made it through undamaged. But it could've been a lot worse - Mother Nature has a really bad temper and not respecting the damage she can inflict can be a really bad mistake.

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11y ago
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5mo ago

A submarine is designed to operate underwater and may be less affected by the surface disturbance caused by a tsunami. However, if the submarine is near the surface, it may experience turbulence and be pushed or pulled by the force of the tsunami waves. Submarines are equipped to dive deeper to avoid potential damage from the surface effects of a tsunami.

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Q: What happens to a submarine ship during a tsunami?
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What are submarines?

Submarine - A ship designed to travel underwater used for exploration and warfare. Submarine - A sandwich that is shaped like the submarine ship, also known as a grinder or hoagie.


Can a large ship in the ocean feel a tsunami?

Yes, a large ship in the ocean will likely feel the effects of a tsunami passing underneath it, causing it to rise and fall with the passing wave. However, because of a ship's size and weight, it is less affected by tsunamis compared to smaller vessels. The crew might notice the ship rising and falling, but it is unlikely to cause significant damage to the ship itself.


What will float then sink then float?

[I've heard this question asked as a kind of a twisted riddle, the answer to which is, "A drowning person": When a person is first in the water, they have air in their lungs and will float. As they drown, their lungs fill with water and they sink. Then, as their body decays and gases expand, the body floats to the surface -- LibertarianLaw]A submarine or a ship can float because the weight ofwater that it displaces is equal to the weight of the ship. This displacement of water creates an upward force called the buoyant force and acts opposite to gravity, which would pull the ship down. Unlike a ship, a submarine can control its buoyancy, thus allowing it to sink and surface at will.To control its buoyancy, the submarine has ballast tanks and auxiliary, or trim tanks, that can be alternately filled with water or air (see animation below). When the submarine is on the surface, the ballast tanks are filled with air and the submarine's overall density is less than that of the surrounding water. As the submarine dives, the ballast tanks are flooded with water and the air in the ballast tanks is vented from the submarine until its overall density is greater than the surrounding water and the submarine begins to sink (negative buoyancy). A supply of compressed air is maintained aboard the submarine in air flasks for life support and for use with the ballast tanks. In addition, the submarine has movable sets of short "wings" called hydroplanes on the stern (back) that help to control the angle of the dive. The hydroplanes are angled so that water moves over the stern, which forces the stern upward; therefore, the submarine is angled downward.


Earthquakes that originate beneath the ocean floor produce huge tidal waves called what?

Tsunami is the name of the wave (once known as a tidal wave) that is created by the sudden displacement of a large volume of sea water when an earthquake occurs on the sea floor. As the wave radiate outwards, it can often pass unnoticed by a nearby ship. When the wave reaches a shallow shore, the top of the wave continues at the same speed, while the bottom of the wave is slowed down by friction with the shallow sea floor. This causes the top to grow into a high wave that flows far into land. Damage and loss of life occur as the wave travels inland, picking up debris, then, as the wave retreats, the debris cause further damage as the wave retreats. There is often the case that a further wave(s) may still happen.


Who was in charge of the ship during the storm at sea?

The captain of the ship is typically in charge during a storm at sea. They are responsible for making decisions to ensure the safety of the crew and vessel, and may work closely with the ship's crew and other officers to navigate through the storm safely.

Related questions

What do you call a ship that travels to the surface of the sea?

A submarine is a ship that can travel underwater.


What is faster submarine or ship?

submarine.


What prove is there that a cruise ship can survive a tsunami?

When getting word of a tsunami, a cruise ship will head out to the deepest part of the ocean she can reach. In deep water, a tsunami may only be a couple of feet or even inches high. It is not until the tsunami reaches shallow water that the wave reaches any appreciable height. In fact, a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean may be the safest place to be during a tsunami.


What was the Confedrate first submarine called?

H. L. Hunley was the name of the Confederate submarine that was used during the American Civil War. It was the first combat submarine to successfully sink an enemy ship.


Differences between a ship and a submarine?

a ship floats on the water and a submarine can go underwater and on top of the water


What is a type of ship that can travel beneath the sea?

A submarine best fits the description.


What are submarines?

Submarine - A ship designed to travel underwater used for exploration and warfare. Submarine - A sandwich that is shaped like the submarine ship, also known as a grinder or hoagie.


What ship is the fastest?

The S.S. United States


How do you use the word submarine in a sentence?

"The submarine fired a torpedo at the large ship."


What are the Uses of submarine?

A submarine is to spy on ship movements and if necessary sink ships


Two ships are in the ocean, 8 miles apart. Their sonar equipment each detects a submarine that has surfaced. The angle formed by the first ship to the submarine is 55°, and the angle formed by the second ship to the submarine is 44°?

5.6 mi


What kind of ship travels underwater?

Submarine