Merikaapeli

Merikaapeli, also known as a subsea cable or submarine communication cable, is an underwater cable laid on the seabed, typically connecting two or more landmasses. These cables are essential for modern telecommunications and data transfer, carrying vast amounts of information across oceans and seas. They are the backbone of the internet, enabling global communication and the transmission of voice, video, and data.

The construction of merikaapeli is a complex engineering feat. Cables are manufactured in specialized facilities and then deployed from cable-laying ships. They are designed to withstand extreme pressure, corrosive seawater, and potential damage from anchors, fishing nets, and geological activity. The cables consist of multiple layers, including optical fibers for transmitting data, copper wires for power, and protective sheathing made of steel and durable plastics.

There are two main types of merikaapeli: submarine communications cables and submarine power cables. Communications cables, primarily using fiber optics, are used for telephone, internet, and data transmission. Power cables transmit electricity from one region to another, often to connect islands or different national grids. The development and maintenance of these underwater networks are crucial for global connectivity and energy security.