The behavior of underwater explosions has been systematically investigated during
the past thirty-five years, starting with many independent investigations undertaken
during the second world war. The early work carried out in England, Canada,
and the United States is surveyed thoroughly in Cole (1965). Investigations carried
out at the same time in the Soviet Union (with emphasis on point-source
explosions) are described in Sedov (1959). An excellent survey of later work
extending up to the mid-fifties is given by Snay (1956). No connected account of
later work has appeared since but the writer understands that Dr. Snay is now
preparing a book covering his unique knowledge of this extensive field.
This brief survey begins with a review of the formation and early growth of
explosions detonated in water, regarded as an unlimited medium. Then the effect
of gravity is considered, especially concerning migration of gas bubbles created by
detonation of chemical explosives. Finally, a section is devoted to the very important
influence of the ocean surface on underwater and near-surface explosions