Ocean colonization
Encyclopedia
Ocean colonization is the theory and practice of permanent human settlement of ocean
s. Such settlements may float on the surface of the water, or be secured to the ocean floor, or exist in an intermediate position.
One primary purpose of ocean colonization is the expansion of livable area. Other possible benefits include expanded access to undersea resources, novel forms of governance
(for instance micronation
s), and new recreational activities.
Lessons learned from ocean colonization may prove applicable to space colonization
. The ocean may prove simpler to colonize than space
and thus occur first, providing a proving ground
for the latter. In particular, the issue of sovereignty
may bear many similarities between ocean and space colonization; adjustments to social life
under harsher circumstances would apply similarly to the ocean and to space; and many technologies may have uses in both environments.
Ocean
An ocean is a major body of saline water, and a principal component of the hydrosphere. Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by ocean, a continuous body of water that is customarily divided into several principal oceans and smaller seas.More than half of this area is over 3,000...
s. Such settlements may float on the surface of the water, or be secured to the ocean floor, or exist in an intermediate position.
One primary purpose of ocean colonization is the expansion of livable area. Other possible benefits include expanded access to undersea resources, novel forms of governance
Governance
Governance is the act of governing. It relates to decisions that define expectations, grant power, or verify performance. It consists of either a separate process or part of management or leadership processes...
(for instance micronation
Micronation
Micronations, sometimes also referred to as model countries and new country projects, are entities that claim to be independent nations or states but which are not recognized by world governments or major international organizations...
s), and new recreational activities.
Lessons learned from ocean colonization may prove applicable to space colonization
Space colonization
Space colonization is the concept of permanent human habitation outside of Earth. Although hypothetical at the present time, there are many proposals and speculations about the first space colony...
. The ocean may prove simpler to colonize than space
Space
Space is the boundless, three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur and have relative position and direction. Physical space is often conceived in three linear dimensions, although modern physicists usually consider it, with time, to be part of a boundless four-dimensional continuum...
and thus occur first, providing a proving ground
Proving ground
A proving ground is the US name for a military installation or reservation where weapons or other military technology are experimented or tested, or where military tactics are tested...
for the latter. In particular, the issue of sovereignty
Sovereignty
Sovereignty is the quality of having supreme, independent authority over a geographic area, such as a territory. It can be found in a power to rule and make law that rests on a political fact for which no purely legal explanation can be provided...
may bear many similarities between ocean and space colonization; adjustments to social life
Social life
Social life may refer to:* an individual's Interpersonal relationships* Social relation * Social Life, an album by Koufax* Social Life, the indie/punk band from Greensboro, North Carolina....
under harsher circumstances would apply similarly to the ocean and to space; and many technologies may have uses in both environments.
External links
- Alexander Bolonkin: Floating Cities, Islands and States (PDF)