# The Intriguing Phenomenon of Exploding Dead Whales
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Chapter 1: Understanding Whale Decomposition
Whales are awe-inspiring beings, known as the largest animals on our planet. Some species can exceed 100 feet in length and weigh over 200 tons, equivalent to around 70 Honda Civics. While they are magnificent while alive, the story changes once they pass away.
When a whale dies, it can sometimes lead to an explosion. This can happen naturally or, more frequently, as a result of human intervention using explosives. Both scenarios arise from the challenge of dealing with a massive dead whale.
Whales have an immune system that protects them from bacteria during their life. However, once they die, this defense fails, allowing bacteria and fungi to thrive. As these microorganisms consume the whale's tissues, they generate gases, primarily carbon dioxide and methane.
To clarify, this process is referred to as putrefaction rather than fermentation. The difference lies in control; fermentation is a managed breakdown to produce specific outcomes, while putrefaction is an uncontrolled process involving various bacteria.
Section 1.1: The Unique Properties of Whale Carcasses
Any deceased animal undergoes putrefaction, but whales present a unique challenge. Their thick layer of blubber, which keeps them warm in cold ocean waters, acts as a barrier, preventing gases from escaping easily. Consequently, a dead whale can become a massive, inflated "blubber balloon" floating on the surface.
When the internal pressure surpasses the blubber's capacity, the whale can explode. This "pop" is a significant event; whales can inflate to double their original size, and the force of an explosion can scatter internal organs as far as 50 feet from the carcass.
In the wild, this pressure eventually dissipates, either through natural decay or scavengers creating weak spots. However, when whales wash ashore near populated areas, they pose safety and odor concerns for local communities.
Section 1.2: Human Intervention in Whale Disposal
When a whale washes ashore, the preferred method is often to tow it out to sea, allowing natural processes to take over. However, if a whale is too stranded to be moved, explosives may come into play.
A famous case occurred in 1970 in Florence, Oregon, where a whale carcass was disposed of using half a ton of dynamite. While the explosion was effective in breaking up the whale, it was criticized for being excessive.
Currently, explosives are not the primary approach for disposal; they are reserved for instances where the carcass needs to be fragmented for easier transport.
Chapter 2: The Journey After Death
After the gases escape, the whale carcass embarks on a remarkable journey. It sinks to the ocean floor, a process referred to as a whalefall. In shallow waters, scavengers will quickly strip the carcass, while in deeper waters, it can provide nutrients for decades.
These nutrient-rich whalefalls can foster unique ecosystems, with researchers discovering species not found elsewhere. As whale populations decline due to whaling and climate change, the occurrence of whalefalls has decreased, leading to fewer nutrients available in deep waters.
Even the largest creatures ultimately break down and nourish the smallest decomposers, illustrating the intricate circle of life that governs our planet.