Types of naval mines

Naval mines are explosive devices placed in water to damage or deter ships. They come in several types: contact mines detonate when touched by a ship; influence mines detect specific ship signals like magnetic or acoustic signatures before exploding; and delayed-action mines activate after a set time, allowing ships to pass over them first. Mines can be stationary or drift with currents, and some are designed to target specific vessel sizes or types. They are deployed for defensive purposes or to control strategic waterways without requiring active patrols.