Fire needs fuel, heat, and an oxidizer, while water is famous for putting fires out. So how could a fire possibly burn underwater? Surprisingly, under the right conditions, flames can exist beneath the surface, creating one of the strangest phenomena in chemistry and physics.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating science behind underwater combustion. We dive into chemistry, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, combustion science, geology, and industrial engineering. We examine how certain fuels carry their own oxidizers, how natural gas seeps from the seafloor, and how scientists have created stable underwater flames in laboratory conditions. We also explore underwater volcanic activity, methane vents, and the unique environments where fire and water coexist.

From deep-sea geological processes to cutting-edge combustion research, thi ...