Why Sharks Attack Undersea Internet Cables???

Imagine a team of scientists and geologists venturing into the vast ocean, towing their trusty devices known as streamer cables. These cables, stretching over twenty thousand feet long, are carefully dropped to depths of 16 to 65 feet, creating a captivating underwater scene. However, this setup doesn't go unnoticed by curious creatures, particularly sharks. These toothy pals are drawn to the magnetic fields emitted by the streamer cables, occasionally mistaking them for a delectable treat.

Before jumping to conclusions about sharks having a personal grudge against technology, it's important to note that this issue isn't new—it has been occurring since the 1980s. Even tech giants like Google have encountered challenges with underwater cables and had to employ protective measures to safeguard them from shark bites. The idea of a shark causing an internet delay might sound amusing, but it highlights the persistent curiosity of these predators when it comes to electromagnetic fields or anything resembling a cable.

However, not all sharks are troublemakers in this aquatic tale. The culprits depend on the depth of the cables. Bull sharks, known for their solid gray physique and short snouts, have gained a reputation for mischief. These territorial sharks, widely found in tropical and warm waters, seem to have an affinity for exploring streamer cables. To study their impact, scientists developed computer models using 3D scans of bull shark jaws, simulating attacks on the cables. The results revealed the significant damage that can occur when a shark decides to take a bite. Interestingly, the strength of the cables depends on the speed at which the shark is swimming during its encounter.

While sharks receive most of the blame for cable damage, a 2009 report highlights that many fish species have a penchant for nibbling on cables. Barracudas, sharks from shallow and deep waters, and other sneaky culprits have all been identified as cable biters. It seems that these underwater creatures can't resist sinking their teeth into the cable wrapping, which leaves the power conductor exposed to seawater, resulting in potential cable failures.

As fascinating as cable installation may be, it's worth noting that over 90 percent of international data takes an underwater journey through these cables, stretching for hundreds of thousands of miles beneath the ocean's surface. These underwater highways reach depths equivalent to the height of Mount Everest. Installing these cables requires careful planning and specialized cable-laying vessels. These remarkable boats navigate the ocean floor, ensuring that the cables avoid obstacles and are securely placed. Shallow-water cables have a thickness similar to that of a soda can, while deep-water cables are much smaller, measuring up to the size of a marker. The difference in size is due to the varying vulnerability levels in the depths. Deep-sea cables require less shielding wire since there is minimal environmental activity at those depths.

The installation costs of these underwater cables are considerable, often amounting to millions of dollars. Factors such as cable length and destination influence the overall price. While it may seem expensive, the installation process is a remarkable engineering feat. Cable layers take great care to ensure their installations do not disrupt marine life and habitats, striking a balance between technological progress and oceanic conservation.

As we browse the internet, it's essential to remember that our cat videos and funny memes traverse these submarine cables deep beneath the waves. But the concept of safely burying cables underwater is not a modern one. Let's travel back to the mid-19th century, where the installation of the first transatlantic telegraph cable was underway in 1854. This groundbreaking endeavor connected the distant shores of Ireland and Newfoundland, revolutionizing communication. Imagine being an electrician of the Atlantic Telegraph Company, witnessing this historical moment—the birth of transatlantic communication.

While our internet speeds and global communication have come a long way since then, cutting the internet by simply going underwater with wire cutters is technically possible. However, it's no easy task. These submarine communication cables carry thousands of volts, making the process highly dangerous. In 2013, an audacious group in Egypt attempted to cut the Southeast Asia Middle East West Europe E4 cable, a massive lifeline spanning 12,500 miles and connecting three continents. The aftermath was chaotic, with internet speeds in Egypt plunging by 60 percent. However, once the cable was repaired, speeds were restored, allowing people to resume their online activities.

So, the next time you encounter a delay while browsing the internet, remember the incredible feats of engineering that lie beneath the waves. These underwater cables, though occasionally subject to the curiosity of sharks and other marine creatures, have revolutionized global communication, bridging continents and connecting us in ways unimaginable in the past.