RE: Another view from another part of the world10 Mar 2026 20:33
Anyone know what mines Iran has?
Drifting Mines (Free-Floating)
These are designed to float at or just below the surface and drift with currents and tides.
While primarily used in older, "classic" warfare, they are notoriously difficult to control and are largely outlawed due to their indiscriminate nature.
BBC
BBC
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Moored Mines (Tethered)
These mines are anchored to the seabed but use a cable to float at a set depth below the surface.
They are designed to stay in place, but the cable allows them to sway or move with the tide and currents.
Safety Hazard: Over decades, the cables on old World War II mines can rust or break in heavy seas, releasing the buoyant mine to drift and wash up on shore.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
+4
Ground/Bottom Mines
These sit directly on the seafloor and are generally not moved by the tide.
However, intense water action from storms or tides can cause them to become covered by sand or move slightly.
Interesting Engineering
Interesting Engineering
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Impact of Tide on Function
Moored Mines: Because they rise and fall with the tide, the tether length is often calculated so they do not become visible at low tide.
Magnetic Mines: Early versions were designed for the sea bottom, because if they were moored, the change in the magnetic field as they moved with the tide would prematurely detonate them.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
+1
Thousands of mines from WWI and WWII are still active in the Baltic Sea and other areas, making them a recurring hazard as they shift or break free from their moorings.
Reddit
Reddit
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