Building an Unimaginable Underground Bunker: Possibilities, Costs, and Secrecy

Imagine a world where resources are practically unlimited, and time is not a constraint. This might sound like a luxury most of us can only dream about, but such a scenario could present a unique opportunity to create an underground city. In this article, we will explore the possibilities, costs, and secrecy involved in constructing such a monumental project.

Defining the Needs for an Underground Bunker

The key word in this project is 'unlimited time.' With enough time and resources, the construction of an underground city with a mere shovel is possible. This drastically reduces the cost of construction, as time, personnel, and location are heavily reduced or negated altogether. This means that an unlimited budget allows for a vast array of possibilities in terms of what can be constructed underground.

Secrecy and Security Considerations

Secrecy and security are paramount in the design and construction of an underground bunker. The level of secrecy required can range from high security operations to just enough secrecy to avoid public knowledge. Key factors include:

How secret does this bunker need to be? Does it need to be built to deceive people actively looking for construction? Do we need to counter satellite or aerial reconnaissance? Does it need to be kept secret from the general public or just enough secrecy to avoid immediate suspicion?

Geological and Environmental Challenges

The depth of the bunkers can pose significant challenges for their long-term operation. The deeper the structure, the more significant concerns arise regarding ventilation, radon gas exposure, water management, and heat retention. Ventilation systems need to be robust, and heat must be efficiently removed from the space to maintain habitable conditions.

Functionality and Purpose

The purpose of the bunker must also be considered. Could it be a permanent residence, a location for growing food, a storage site for goods and equipment, or even a base for national defense or societal rebuilding efforts? Each of these possibilities requires a different design approach and infrastructure.

Example: Extensive Underground Apocalypse Shelter Complex

One conceivable design involves the creation of a massive network of chambers and tunnels in layers. The surface chambers would store essential supplies such as disassembled float planes and fuel briquettes, ready for use in potential rebuilding efforts. Vent shafts and water access would extend for miles, opening out to uninhabited wilderness to avoid attracting attention while serving as potential exits. A cooling tunnel could extend to a nearby lake to release heat, and hard links to disguised antennas and satellite links would allow for signal scanning and communication.

Living Quarters and Resources

The living quarters must be extensive to accommodate long-term stays. They must also serve as permanent homes before and after any potential disaster event. In addition to standard living quarters, the complex could include a massive library of digital documents and microfilm, serving as a critical resource for rebuilding civilization. Hydroponic gardens, vertical fish farms, bee colonies, and animal operations could provide supplementary food sources.

Power Supply and Infrastructure

The power supply for such a complex could come from a thorium nuclear reactor, a larger-than-necessary reactor intended to service a larger load during the rebuild phase. This ensures that the complex remains self-sufficient and able to support a wider community as it transitions from a bunker to a functional city.

Conclusion

Building an underground city with an unlimited budget and time is not just a theoretical exercise. It requires careful planning, consideration of secrecy and security, and addressing the environmental and functional needs of those who will inhabit it. Whether for survival, rebuilding society, or national defense, the possibilities are extensive and thought-provoking. As the world grapples with ongoing challenges like climate change, political instability, and technological advancement, the idea of an underground city may become not just a concept but a necessity.