The Watch
LATITUDE
based on the Earth’s magnetic field—especially the location of magnetic north. But magnetic north isn’t fixed in place, as most of us know. Scientists and explorers figured that out in the 1800s and early 1900s, noting that the pole was shifting, roughly speaking, away from northeastern Canada towards Siberia. However, geologists are stymied by the pole’s erratic behaviour of late, especially its rapid movement (50 kilometres per year). Earlier this year, the World Magnetic Model—an international tool that describes the magnetic field and guides navigation, altitude, and other systems—had to be updated for the second time in five years. The last revision in 2015 was expected to last until 2020. The tunnel will sit 30 metres (100 feet) under the sur- face of the water, with plenty of room for ships to safely travel above it and submarines below. The tunnel’s depth will also protect it from big winds, waves, and currents. The tunnel design will have to suit the area’s unique environment. Currently, 50 engineers, geologists, and other experts from around the world are running simulations and taking detailed measurements of the area’s geography and weather conditions. Although similar projects are underway in other countries—including China, South Korea, and Italy—Norway stands a good chance of being the first to get it done. Still, there’s no need to plan next summer’s vacation around a drive through one of these engineering marvels: The Norwegian Public Roads Administration, the govern- mental body responsible for the project, aims to complete construction by 2050.
ERRATIC BEHAVIOUR OF MAGNETIC NORTH KNOCKS THE WORLD OFF COURSE You use a compass to navigate backcountry hikes and Google Maps to find your way in the city. Regardless, all modern navigation systems are AN EXAMPLE OF FJORD-WARD THINKING (WITH APOLOGIES TO NORWAY: WE COULDN’T HELP OURSELVES) Norway is working on a technically ambitious solution to making time through its rugged coastal landscape, a place where roadways bump up against majestic glaciers, fjords, and mountains. A third of Norway’s 5.3 million citizens live on the west coast of the country, where 50 per cent of export goods originate. About 1,000 fjords make travel and shipping in the area a beautiful but time-consuming endeavour. Using the existing E39 in all its glory—a 1,100-kilometre highway linking Kristiansand and Trondheim—requires seven ferry crossings and takes a vehicle 21 hours. A $49-billion solution will cut travel time by half and eliminate the need for ferries. It will feature three suspension bridges and five floating bridges (supported by pontoons). But there’s more. The project could make Norway the first country to build a submerged floating tunnel. The structure will be built within a fjord at a depth of 1,400 metres—too deep to drill supports into the sea bed. So instead, the tunnel portion will dangle in the water, hung from island-like pontoons. A NEW WAY TO ENJOY THE FJORDS It’s a different view for travellers in Norway, once the option of using a floating tunnel instead of a ferry becomes an option. -artist’s rendering courtesy Snøhetta
SPRING 2019 PEG | 63
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