Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:37:36-1:38:32

Water shielding around sunken submarine reactors

Water shielding is offered as an explanation for limited detectable radiation, with uncertainty about the material remaining at the wrecks.

Marine EnvironmentNaval AccidentsNuclear Submarines
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Question

Why has radioactive waste reportedly not been found around two sunken US nuclear submarines?

Short answer

Water shielding and reactor construction are suggested explanations, but the brief answer does not establish the condition of the wrecks or provide monitoring evidence.

Notes

Water shielding and reactor construction are offered as explanations for limited detectable radiation around the wrecks. Radioactive material is thought likely to remain there. The condition of the reactors and any escape of material are not established. No monitoring results are supplied in this brief answer.