Elon Musk, known for his revolutionary ideas, has proposed a bold new venture: a $20 billion tunnel linking London to New York.
This concept, promising travel between the two cities in under an hour, could transform global transportation. However, is it feasible, or just another far-fetched dream?
Elon Musk’s vision for high-speed underwater travel
Musk envisions a transatlantic tunnel that would replace planes with ultra-fast trains traveling at 3,000 miles per hour.
The tunnel would use vacuum and jet propulsion technologies to achieve this unprecedented speed. For comparison, a current flight between London and New York takes around eight hours.
The billionaire claims his construction firm, The Boring Company, can build the tunnel for 1,000 times less than the reported $20 trillion cost estimate.
Key challenges of building a tunnel under the Atlantic
Experts have raised significant concerns about the feasibility of such a project.
1. Depth and geological structure
– The Atlantic Ocean reaches depths of 5,500 meters, creating extreme water pressure challenges.
– Engineers would need to examine the seabed’s geological structure for faults or weaknesses.
– Even if the seabed is stable, stress on the rock from the depth could make construction unsafe.
2. Volcanic activity along the mid-atlantic ridge
– This ridge spans over 40,000 miles and separates the Americas from Europe and Africa.
– It is an active volcanic zone, posing severe risks to construction and stability.
3. Existing maritime traffic and wildlife
– Submarines, whales, and ships could complicate construction and operational logistics.
4. Ventilation and maintenance costs
– Keeping air circulating and ensuring safety for passengers would require enormous ventilation systems, adding to the cost.
Real-life examples offer hope
Despite these challenges, there are examples of underwater tunnels that have been successfully built.
The Fehmarn Tunnel, currently under construction, will connect Denmark and Germany under the Baltic Sea.
– This 18-kilometer tunnel was chosen for its lower environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and reduced sensitivity to weather.
– Denise Juchem of Femern A/S explained that the project significantly reduces travel time and offers a reliable connection.
He told Euronews Travel: “For commuters, it means a faster and more reliable connection between Denmark and Germany, significantly reducing travel time and making daily commutes much more convenient.
“Ultimately, the 18-kilometre immersed tunnel was deemed the best solution due to its lower environmental impact, reduced sensitivity to weather conditions, and cost-effectiveness.”
However, at just 18 kilometers, it is a fraction of the proposed transatlantic tunnel’s length.
Expert opinions on the project’s feasibility
Experts remain skeptical about the transatlantic tunnel’s viability due to the scale and complexity of the endeavor.
One engineer on Stack Exchange outlined the numerous technical obstacles, including seabed stability, water pressure, and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge’s volcanic activity.
He explained: “This is an active volcanic zone that is pushing apart the continental plates that separate the Americas from Europe and Africa.
“This ridge is visible above the water on Iceland.”
They concluded that, while groundbreaking in theory, the project is unlikely to happen with current technology.