The deep-sea 'emergency service' that keeps the internet running
Subsea cables are vital for global communication, transmitting 99% of data. They face risks from human activities and climate change, but redundancy and quick repairs ensure resilience in connectivity.
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Subsea cables are crucial for global digital communication, with 99% of data transmitted through approximately 1.4 million kilometers of these cables. The historical significance of these cables was highlighted by the 1929 Newfoundland earthquake, which caused a massive cable failure due to a triggered submarine landslide. This incident not only disrupted communication but also led to scientific discoveries about ocean movements. Modern subsea cables are slender and designed to withstand various environmental challenges, with most damage caused by human activities rather than natural events. Repair operations are conducted by specialized ships that can respond quickly to faults, often completing repairs within weeks. The redundancy built into the global network allows for continued service even when some cables are damaged. Additionally, the laying and maintenance of these cables have provided valuable insights into oceanic phenomena, including the detection of marine life and geological events. However, climate change poses new challenges, as sediment flows can threaten cable integrity. Overall, while subsea cables are vulnerable to damage, the industry has developed effective strategies for maintenance and repair, ensuring the resilience of global internet connectivity.
- Subsea cables are essential for 99% of global digital communication.
- The 1929 Newfoundland earthquake revealed the impact of underwater landslides on cable integrity.
- Most cable damage is caused by human activities, with repairs typically completed within weeks.
- Redundancy in the cable network allows for continued service during outages.
- Climate change is increasing risks to cable integrity due to sediment flows.
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6 commentsThe Piece: https://www.theverge.com/c/24070570/internet-cables-undersea...
The Podcast episode: https://www.theverge.com/24131941/undersea-cables-pc-chips-q...
I'm skeptical of this claim. It seems way too high to me, and the reference is a paper about "Fast and destructive density currents created by ocean-entering volcanic eruptions" which I'm unable to view but seems unrelated.
Very cool stuff.
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