When a dead whale washes up on the beach, its carcass can swell and explode due to bacterial decomposition releasing gases. These gases can build up inside the whale and cause an explosion if the pressure becomes too great.
After the death of a whale, its body often sinks to the ocean floor before rising to the surface, pushed by internal gases. Decomposition begins immediately: the bacteria and other microorganisms naturally present in its body quickly proliferate, attacking the internal tissues. The internal organs and muscles are generally the first to be affected, softening and turning to liquid quite rapidly. Gradually, the softened flesh transforms into a slimy mixture, providing an excellent feast for scavenging fish and marine crustaceans. Meanwhile, the whale's thick skin acts as a sort of armor, temporarily trapping all these fluids, forming a true "soup" of decomposed flesh inside. Slowly, gas pockets appear, accumulated by the activity of bacteria, which will often cause the impressive swelling of the carcass, until the skin can no longer withstand this internal pressure.
When a whale dies, it first sinks and then rises due to the gases that accumulate inside. These gases primarily come from the bacteria that decompose its internal tissues, especially proteins and fats. By breaking down the flesh, they release gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. These gases remain trapped in the abdominal cavity and other parts of the body, gradually increasing the internal pressure. As decomposition progresses, the inside turns into a true balloon filled with these flammable and foul-smelling gases, increasing the risk that the carcass will burst violently.
Certain external elements will clearly accelerate or cause the explosion of a dead whale. First, the ambient temperature plays a significant role: a warm climate quickly intensifies the proliferation of bacteria, rapidly increasing the amount of gas inside the animal. Next, human handling is clearly not without risks: touching, moving, or attempting to cut can abruptly rupture the skin, violently releasing the accumulated pressure. The same goes for predators or scavengers attracted by this odorous feast, whose bites create weak points in the carcass. Finally, weather conditions such as direct sunlight heating the skin, or a rapid rise in atmospheric pressure, contribute to weakening the body and hastening the fateful moment.
The skin of whales is particularly thick and resistant, acting like a large elastic pouch. As the internal pressure increases due to the gases produced during putrefaction, these gases seek an outlet. As long as the skin remains intact, it effectively retains this pressure. But when the tensile strength of the tissues is exceeded, the rupture often occurs suddenly, much like when an over-inflated balloon bursts violently. It is usually the thinnest or weakened parts of the body that give way first, causing a massive tear and rapidly releasing a huge amount of fluid and gas accumulated under pressure.
To prevent the uncontrolled explosion of a stranded whale, specialized teams sometimes perform a controlled incision in its body to slowly release the pressurized gases, making the phenomenon safer.
Following a whale explosion, the scattered remains often provide an unexpected feast for marine and terrestrial scavengers, thereby playing an important role in the ecosystem in terms of organic recycling.
The gases resulting from the internal decomposition of a whale can primarily consist of methane and hydrogen sulfide, which are highly odorous and potentially flammable gases, explaining their explosive nature.
The blue whale, the largest animal to have ever existed, can reach a length of 30 meters and a mass of nearly 200 tons: a corpse of this size accumulates enough gas to cause an explosion that is widely detectable around.
If a dead whale sinks to the bottom of the ocean, the high pressure and low temperatures generally prevent the accumulation of large volumes of gas. Thus, a natural explosion is very unlikely under these conditions, unlike stranded whales on the surface, where temperature and atmospheric pressure promote dangerous gas buildup.
Authorities can employ several methods to manage dead whales, ranging from controlled burial to offshore disposal, and at times, controlled demolition. The choice depends on the size of the whale, its state of decomposition, and local environmental considerations.
It is advisable not to approach or touch it, and to immediately inform the local or maritime authorities who will take charge of its management in accordance with safety and health standards.
The time required for a whale to completely decompose varies greatly depending on its size and environmental conditions, but it can generally take from a few months to several years.
Yes, approaching a dead whale can be dangerous, as its body may accumulate internal gases that could cause a violent explosion. Additionally, there are health risks associated with the bacteria and parasites that develop during decomposition.
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