Disastrous Consequences of Lifting Earth's Water 20 Feet
Imagine a catastrophic scenario where all the water from oceans, lakes, and seas is lifted 20 feet from the ground and then dropped simultaneously. The implications of such an event are unimaginable and would lead to a series of profound disasters that far outweigh any ethical considerations.
Geological Repercussions and Human Impact
The Earth's crust is primarily composed of water, with underground reservoirs holding more fresh water than what is available above ground. Additionally, the sheer weight of the ocean waters deforms the Earth's crust. Lifting this water 20 feet would cause significant geological repositioning, likely triggering massive earthquakes before the water could be dropped back to its original position. This event would result in the deaths of millions, if not billions, of people due to the catastrophic destruction it would unleash.
Truly Apocalyptic Consequences of the Drop
The moment the water is dropped, the Earth would be overwhelmed by incomparable forces. Water, though not compressible, is extremely heavy, especially when speaking of columns of water stretching miles deep. Lifting this weight would cause the ocean beds to attempt to "float" on the underlying magma, leading to bending and fracturing as they straighten. This movement would expose the underlying magma, causing it to push upward and eventually flow into the vacated space. This process would be extremely violent and result in a literal hell breaking loose.
The Breakage and Exposure of Magma
As the compression of the water beds decreases, the remaining magma and rock would become exposed. The impact would be immense, with the water quickly converting into powder and the resulting shockwave traveling outward at high speed. This shockwave would cause further fracturing of the Earth's crust, effectively turning every building into rubble. The flash-heating of the exposed magma would create a wave of steam that rises through the water, leading to a widespread flash-cooking of any living beings that were unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity.
A Closer Look at Aftermath and Damage
The water itself would experience a severe deconstruction upon impact. Cars, further inland than ever before, would begin to rust at accelerated rates, as the iron and steel components would begin to corrode. This rusting would spread more quickly with the increased moisture in the air due to the abundance of water vapor.
Energy and Pressure Analysis
The energy required to lift this immense volume of water would be staggering, estimated at approximately (6.1 times 10^{22}) joules. This energy, if released suddenly, would create a significant pressure drop at the seafloor, although the actual problem would be on the surface. The lateral blast of water, however, would be beyond comprehension. Such a blast would cause widespread destruction, rendering entire regions uninhabitable due to the massive pressure wave and steam released upon impact.
Conclusion
The idea of lifting Earth's water 20 feet and then dropping it is not just a theoretical exercise. It represents a catastrophic scenario with unimaginable consequences. The resulting earthquakes, the exposure of magma, and the overall destruction would lead to a global disaster that may be irreversible. While the energy involved and pressure relief would be significant, the overall impact on both the environment and human populations would be catastrophic beyond anything we can currently fathom.