mbh
12-18-2009, 05:04 AM
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/208/if-the-reactor-on-a-nuclear-sub-were-breached-what-would-happen
The nuclear submarine USS Thresher sank on April 10, 1963. The US Navy periodically monitors the site, and so far no contamination has been detected.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Thresher_(SSN-593)
http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/t/thresher.htm
The USS Scorpion sank on June 30, 1968. So far, no contamination has been detected. The wikipedia article speculates that
The most likely scenario is that the plutonium and uranium cores of these weapons corroded to a heavy, insoluble material soon after the sinking, and they remain at or close to their original location inside the torpedo room of the boat. If the corroded materials were released outside the submarine, their large specific gravity and insolubility would cause them to settle down into the sediment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Scorpion_(SSN-589)
Wikipedia lists six lost Soviet nuclear submarines. Details are sketchy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Lost_nuclear_submarines
The nuclear submarine USS Thresher sank on April 10, 1963. The US Navy periodically monitors the site, and so far no contamination has been detected.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Thresher_(SSN-593)
http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/t/thresher.htm
The USS Scorpion sank on June 30, 1968. So far, no contamination has been detected. The wikipedia article speculates that
The most likely scenario is that the plutonium and uranium cores of these weapons corroded to a heavy, insoluble material soon after the sinking, and they remain at or close to their original location inside the torpedo room of the boat. If the corroded materials were released outside the submarine, their large specific gravity and insolubility would cause them to settle down into the sediment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Scorpion_(SSN-589)
Wikipedia lists six lost Soviet nuclear submarines. Details are sketchy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Lost_nuclear_submarines