Joking aside, I think the answer is surface tension, Susan. Under a steady pressure water’s surface gives way easily, but on a sudden impact it holds its form strongly. At a great enough speed, I’ve heard that a water impact is more destructive than a crash into a concrete wall.
On a dare a high school friend did a belly flop from the high dive. He moved the surface water about two inches, tidal wave on the sides of the pool and then he slowly sank. Fortunately he came back up, looked like a lobster on all impact areas. Not recommended by the manufacturer.
I didn’t think you were, Susan, but I don’t think e92509 picked up that I was…
Did you ever read any of the Dune books, or see the movie? The personal forcefields the characters wore were effective against fast-moving, high-impact projectiles or shrapnel, but could easily be penetrated by a slow-moving knife. It’s a similar effect (in a sci-fi context, of course).
Edcole1961 over 14 years ago
I thought most people know it means self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.
fritzoid Premium Member over 14 years ago
A wetsuit could come in handy if you’re jumping out of planes. If your parachute doesn’t open, just aim for water, and you’ll be all set!
c92509 over 14 years ago
Try jumping from aircraft with diving gear sometime
And hitting water is just as bad as hitting dirt
Ever do a belly flop from a diving board? Try that at altitude
fritzoid Premium Member over 14 years ago
Not if you use an effective water softener.
fritzoid Premium Member over 14 years ago
Joking aside, I think the answer is surface tension, Susan. Under a steady pressure water’s surface gives way easily, but on a sudden impact it holds its form strongly. At a great enough speed, I’ve heard that a water impact is more destructive than a crash into a concrete wall.
napaeric over 14 years ago
On a dare a high school friend did a belly flop from the high dive. He moved the surface water about two inches, tidal wave on the sides of the pool and then he slowly sank. Fortunately he came back up, looked like a lobster on all impact areas. Not recommended by the manufacturer.
fritzoid Premium Member over 14 years ago
I didn’t think you were, Susan, but I don’t think e92509 picked up that I was…
Did you ever read any of the Dune books, or see the movie? The personal forcefields the characters wore were effective against fast-moving, high-impact projectiles or shrapnel, but could easily be penetrated by a slow-moving knife. It’s a similar effect (in a sci-fi context, of course).