A whale can rupture after death, though it is a rare occurrence. This phenomenon is a direct consequence of decomposition and the accumulation of gases within the carcass. When a whale dies, bacteria in its gut break down tissues and organs, producing substantial quantities of gases.
Why Whales Might Explode
The primary gases generated include methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Whales possess a thick layer of blubber and tough skin, designed to insulate them in cold ocean waters. After death, these features trap accumulating gases within the body cavity. This containment causes the carcass to inflate significantly, sometimes reaching twice its original size, as internal pressure builds.
Conditions for a Whale Explosion
Several factors influence the likelihood of a whale carcass rupturing due to internal gas pressure. The size of the whale is a contributing element, as larger whales contain more organic matter, leading to greater gas production and potential pressure buildup.
The ambient temperature also affects the decomposition rate; warmer temperatures accelerate bacterial activity and gas production. A whale carcass in warmer waters or exposed to direct sunlight on a beach is more prone to rapid internal pressure increase. Furthermore, a whale that strands ashore is more susceptible to rupture because external water pressure is absent, and human intervention can inadvertently trigger a sudden release.
The Fate of Most Whale Carcasses
While the dramatic rupture of a whale carcass captures headlines, most deceased whales undergo a more gradual process of decomposition. Many whale carcasses simply decompose over time, with gases gradually leaking out, or they are consumed by scavengers. A common outcome for whales that die at sea is a “whale fall,” where the carcass sinks to the ocean floor, often to depths greater than 1,000 meters.
These whale falls create unique and long-lasting ecosystems in the deep sea, providing a concentrated food source in an environment typically scarce in nutrients. The decomposition process at these depths unfolds in stages, beginning with mobile scavengers like hagfish and sleeper sharks consuming soft tissues. Subsequently, organisms known as “enrichment opportunists” feed on organic matter in the bones and surrounding sediments. Finally, specialized bacteria break down lipids within the whale bones, producing hydrogen sulfide, which supports chemosynthetic organisms for decades, sometimes even up to a century.
Managing Deceased Whales
When a whale carcass washes ashore, authorities face the challenge of managing its disposal due to public health concerns, odor, and potential safety risks. One method involves towing the carcass back out to sea, allowing it to decompose naturally away from populated areas. However, this approach carries the risk of the carcass drifting back to shore.
Another common strategy is on-site burial, which can be effective but requires significant effort and resources. In some historical instances, such as the widely publicized 1970 incident in Florence, Oregon, authorities resorted to controlled demolition using dynamite to dispose of a beached sperm whale. This attempt resulted in blubber and flesh scattering over a wide area, damaging property and highlighting the unpredictable nature of such methods. Regardless of the disposal method, public safety is a primary concern; experts advise maintaining a safe distance from deceased whales due to the risk of gas release, potential explosions, and the transmission of pathogens.