Submarine deployment of mines. The submarine deploys the mine by launching it out of a torpedo tube. Other mines simply drop to the ocean floor and deploy. The torpedo increases the range of the mine. When the torpedo is deployed it begins a circular search pattern using active sonar to look for the target.
Mines come in a variety of warhead sizes, from a few hundred to a few thousand lbs. of explosive.
It should also be noted that drift mines, that is, mines which float freely in the current, are not discussed since their use is prohibited by international law. Mine Clearing Removing sea mines is a difficult and dangerous mission. This method is used to clear moored mines. A sled with a cable cutting mechanism is towed through the mine field by a helicopter. The sled cuts the mine case free from their anchors, which are then collected by the mine sweeper.