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by d5kenn on July 31st, 2003

d5kenn

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How were German u-boats able to sneak out of the Mediterranean Sea, past British listening stations at the Strait of Gibraltar?

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  • by d5kenn on August 7th, 2003

    d5kenn

    Another answer to this question has to do with the physics of thermohaline circulation. The Atlantic Ocean on average contains roughly 34-36ppt of "salt" to water (it's not salt when in solution, but that's beside the point). The enclosed, shallow Medterranean sea on the other hand, has salinity in excess of 38ppt. Saltier water is heavier (which is why you float more easily in the ocean or in the dead sea) and sinks. Thus, "fresher" Atlantic seawater enters the Gibraltar at the surface and upper levels of the strait, whereas the saltier water naturally exits the sea to the Atlantic at lower depths. U-boats simply had to submerge to the correct circulation depth, cut their engines for a few hours, and ride the current past the Strait! Getting back in was another issue completely, but as mentioned previously, it was both possible and done.

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