Dry dock vessels can sink and float

Image

Image: U.S. Navy, YouTube

Right under the Coronado Bridge is California's largest floating drydock. This vessel, christened Pride of California, purposefully floods itself and sinks low enough so a ship can sail inside. The dry dock can then resurface, bringing the ship inside it out of the water for repairs.

How can a vessel sink and float on command? What causes a vessel to float? Why do some objects sink and some float?

Resources:

YouTube: USS Montgomery Enters Drydock

Type
Phenomena
Subject
Physics

More Activities & Resources:

What causes the green flash?
Phenomena
San Diego residents reported an increase in coyote sightings in suburban neighborhoods
Phenomena
San Diego's many canyons create some interesting weather-related phenomena.
Phenomena

The Fleet Science Center invites you to connect to the power of science through FLEETtv!