‘Underwater tornadoes’ found near China’s nuclear submarine base by Paracels that could sink U-boats in treacherous abyss
Phenomena known as deep eddies not visible from surface but seen as potential threat to military activity, oil and gas exploration in the waters south of Hainan Island
Chinese scientists have discovered a series of potential “deathtraps” near the Paracel Islands, called the Xisha Islands by China, in the South China Sea where a submarine could plunge into swirling waters and be crushed by the pressure at such a deadly depth.
The archipelago of 130 islands, which are controlled by China but also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam, are located close to China’s nuclear submarine base. Called Yulin Naval Base, it lies long the south coast of Hainan Island, a popular escape for Chinese tourists.
The phenomena in question are known as deep eddies, or rare occurrences created by deep water blowing across the sea floor, almost like a tornado in slow motion or a watery black hole.
They are not visible from the surface as they stop just short of this, meaning there are no visible waves or ripples to be observed by a ship or satellite, making them even more dangerous. They can have their roots thousands of metres below sea level.
The research team, led by Professor Wang Dongxiao with the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ South China Sea Institute of Oceanology in Guangzhou, recorded numerous deep eddy events in the Xisha Trough, an abyss between the Paracels and Hainan.
