Jessie+Bereda


 * __ Underwater Mining __**
 * __Description of Picture:__** This image shows a robotic arm breaking off a piece of mineral-rich rock deep in the depths of the ocean. National Geographic posed an intriguing question which sparked my interest about the picture in the article, "Will Deep-sea Mining Yield an Underwater Gold Rush?"

I had a few questions concerning three elements of the picture:
 * How does water pressure affect divers when they go down to these underwater caverns to mine mineral-rich rocks?
 * What does gold, copper, silver, zinc, etc. go through as far as chemical reactions from the seawater? (salt against minerals)
 * How do the robotic arms and other tools used in mining mineral-rich rocks underwater work without shock from electricity?


 * __Pressure__**
 * Pressure is measured in psi's or per square inch. One atmosphere of pressure is equal to 14.7 pounds. As humans rest at sea-level, 14.7 pounds or 1 kg per square cm of pressure, are pushing down on our bodies. Pressure increases as we go into the water, because water is heavier than air. Every 33 feet down a human travels, another atmosphere of pressure pushes down on them. Humans can travel down to about 3 or 4 atmospheres, but after that, submarines are needed.


 * __Chemical Reactions__**
 * Gold does not react with water. Gold does not readily oxidize, and will not substantially degrade after being submerged in salt water.
 * Copper does not react with water. Copper in a salt solution will create a reaction, causing the copper to become shiny if it was dull before.
 * Silver does not react with clean water. Over time, silver that has been submerged in salt water will turn black and develop a thick black encrusted layer.
 * Zinc does not react with water, as traces of it are found in bodies of water. However, over time, zinc will corrode in sea water.
 * Most elements are more affected negatively by the reaction with salt water for an extended period of time more than others. Surprisingly, copper is affected positively after being submerged in salt water.


 * __Electricity__**
 * In order to operate robotic arms and other tools underwater to mine that require electricity, waterproofed equipment is used. The specific companies order the equipment waterproofed by other companies in order to use the equipment under water. I was unable to find out exactly how the equipment is waterproofed, as I was only redirected to companies that offer waterproofing machinery and services. However, I was able to find out a bit about why an electric shock in the ocean isn't quite as dangerous as one would think...
 * For example, when lightning strikes the ocean, there is not much of an effect. This is due to the vast area of the ocean that allows the charge to disperse and be absorbed but because of the huge area, not one area is really "affected" too severely.


 * Citations:**
 * [[file:40gy2636019455fg.docx]]