Databases In Caves? A Unique Google Fiber Bid

An anonymous reader writes "Plenty of cities have submitted bids for the Google Fiber project, with most of their bids being centered around the attributes that could describe many communities. Yet one small midwestern town, with much less fanfare than the metropolitan bids, provided an unusual proposition for Google in their likely quixotic nomination. Quincy, IL, has an extensive series of underground caverns that could provide year-round temperature control, dedicated hydroelectric power, and security in the case of a terrorist attack."

Comments

Carthage, MO has that as well

[Nimey]

Big former limestone quarry with a bunch of underground storage. Town has its own electric utility too.

Re:no, caves suck

[Andy Dodd]

Hmm... Then why are companies like Iron Mountain building out LARGE datacenters in caves?

(In most cases, former mines/quarries.)

1) Not caves large enough to drive vehicles in - many mines meet this criteria
2) Same answer as 1 for supplies, for 2 - in many cases they were already "built" for previous purposes (usually, getting valuable materials out of the ground)
3) Not if they're above the water table - many are. Iron Mountain's is, and apparently they're planning on using a nearby underground lake for cooling soon.
4) Not if built/designed correctly.
5) Iron Mountain and the like would prefer to disagree with you on that.