Unveiling the Wrecks: USS Arizona and RMS Titanic

Whenever we talk about wrecks, particularly those of historic significance, confusion often arises regarding their resting places. This article sheds light on two iconic tragedies, the USS Arizona and the RMS Titanic, and why their fates differ in the ocean depths.

The USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor

The USS Arizona is a memorable example of a ship that sank but has left a significant visible mark on the ocean floor and American history. Unlike its namesake, the Titanic, which rests in the icy waters of the North Atlantic, the USS Arizona lies commemorated in a unique manner. Located at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, this American battleship is the most prominent warship to be memorialized over its wreck.

Depth Pose: 40 Feet of Water

Just forty feet below the surface of the harbor, the USS Arizona lies in a shallow depth. Despite this seemingly modest depth, the ship is significantly intact and easily visible. One can see parts of the ship from above the water, a rare phenomenon that is testament to the specialized construction materials used during its wartime deployment. This visibility is complimented by the striking memorial built over its debris. The USS Arizona Memorial spans the middle of the sunken ship, serving as a visitable tribute to the 1,177 crew members who perished during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Biological Factors and Intactness

It is noteworthy that the USS Arizona is not reclaimed by the effusive sea. The hull remains relatively intact, hosting a variety of marine life. This particularity is influenced by various factors, including the immediate preservation due to the cold, salty water of the Pacific and the protection provided by the shallow depth. The ship leaks a small amount of fuel oil for about five hundred years, a bittersweet reminder of its storied past.

The RMS Titanic in the North Atlantic

In stark contrast to the USS Arizona, the RMS Titanic continues its journey to the bottom of the sea, submerged approximately 12,500 feet below the surface. Now well beyond the reach of human observation, the Titanic's fate is different, due to the immense pressure and extreme cold at such depths.

Journey to the Abyss: 12,500 Feet

Submerged in the North Atlantic, the Titanic's wreckage is located in an extremely deep area with water temperatures as low as 27°F or -2°C. These frigid conditions aid in its preservation, although the abyssal pressure eventually leads to the ship's disintegration. Over time, the Titanic will dissolve, and its remnants will be reclaimed by the deep ocean, a process expected to take around 80 years.

Biological Degradation

The Atlantic Ocean, especially in such a deep and frigid environment, offers less favorable conditions for marine life and other organisms. The Titanic's wreckage, while not left untouched, has undergone a different form of decay due to the biological activity and the harsh environmental conditions. Consequently, the Titanic's wreck shows more signs of decay compared to the USS Arizona.

Comparison and Key Factors

Depth Influence on Visibility and Preservation

The differing depths at which the USS Arizona and the RMS Titanic lie have a profound impact on their appearances and preservation. Shallow depths like those in Pearl Harbor allow for better visibility and more complete hulls, making preservation and sometimes even the original wreck itself extremely legible. Conversely, the Titanic's deep, cold waters result in a different kind of preservation where the wreck is submerged and largely decaying with time.

Human Interaction and Memorialization

The USS Arizona stands as a memorial site, a testament to the sacrifices made during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Similarly, the RMS Titanic's site is treated with reverence in the scientific community, known as a historical archaeological site. However, the approach to these sites varies due to cultural and legal reasons. For instance, diving on the USS Arizona is not allowed because of its status as a military graveyard.

Conclusion

Both the USS Arizona and the RMS Titanic represent different states of preservation due to their respective depths and environmental conditions. The USS Arizona remains relatively intact due to shallower waters and the lack of extreme pressure, while the RMS Titanic's deep, cold waters have led to its gradual disintegration. Each legend has its own story, reflecting the unique circumstances of their descents into the ocean's abyss.