What Is A Whale Explosion, A Rare Phenomenon
By: EjazUlHaqBhat
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A whale explosion is a rare occurrence that happens when a dead whale's body fills with gas and eventually bursts
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When a whale dies, methane-producing bacteria in its body create gases that build up during decomposition
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The whale's skin is tough and can withstand a lot of pressure, so the gas usually leaks out slowly
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However, the skin can stretch to accommodate the gas until it reaches breaking point
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Whales can explode on their own, but humans can also cause them to explode by poking and prodding them
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In 1970, the Oregon Highway Division intentionally blew up a decaying sperm whale in Florence, Oregon with dynamite
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The incident became infamous and is considered one of the most widely reported cases of the exploding whale phenomenon
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The city has an Exploding Whale Memorial Park that includes picnic tables, a grassy lawn, and views of the Siuslaw River and Bridge
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