Deterioration of submarine metal objects

A biologist working with the R.M.S. Titanic, Inc. has theorized that
"rusticles" (visually appearing as stalactite-like formations of
ferric oxide and ?? adhering to the underwater wreck of the
Titanic) are colonies of an unidentified bacteria that are eating
away at the iron content of the steel of the ship, causing it to
disintegrate. As a conservator, I am amazed at this theory and would
welcome comments from archeological metals conservators and
scientists--especially those who either have worked with submarine
metal objects or are conducting research on the same.

Vera B. Espinola
Exhibit conservator/curator for the
Titanic exhibit at the Florida International Museum,
St. Petersburg, Florida

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:53
                 Distributed: Friday, December 12, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-53-008
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