'A tunnel from London to New York': Can Elon Musk's £20B plan survive 5,500 meters of Atlantic depths?
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Bold Vision
Musk’s ambitious proposal for a £20 billion transatlantic tunnel promises to cut travel from London to New York to under an hour, sparking curiosity and skepticism alike.
Hyperloop Potential
With vacuum technology and jet propulsion, trains in the tunnel could reach speeds of 3,000 mph, a staggering leap from today’s fastest trains like the Shanghai Maglev.
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Challenging Depths
The Atlantic’s seabed plunges 5,500 meters, presenting immense geological challenges. Engineers warn of soft terrain and crushing water pressure that complicate construction.
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Volcanic Threat
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a massive active volcanic zone, poses a significant obstacle, with continental plates shifting and creating seismic risks for the project.
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Air Dilemmas
Ventilating a tunnel this deep and long is another hurdle, as maintaining breathable air in a vacuum-sealed environment at such depths will be incredibly resource-intensive.
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Feasibility Doubts
Experts on platforms like Stack Exchange question the practicality of the project, citing structural stresses, environmental challenges, and prohibitive costs.
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Inspiration Exists
The Fehmarn Tunnel between Germany and Denmark offers hope, demonstrating that underwater projects are feasible when geological and environmental conditions align.
Musk’s Claim
Elon Musk asserts The Boring Company could build the transatlantic tunnel for significantly less than previous estimates, adding intrigue to this futuristic vision.
Future Promise
If successful, the tunnel could revolutionize global travel, rendering planes obsolete for short intercontinental trips while advancing engineering and transportation technology.