Confirmation of Malaysian Plane Debris Would Be Only Beginning of Investigation
Ocean investigations can take weeks in the best of circumstances.
But while confirmation of the objects could signal the end of a nearly two-week-long search, it would mark just the beginning of sorting out why Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 fell from the sky. (Related: "How Finding Debris Could Quickly Solve Mystery.")
Staging a deep-sea investigation in the part of the world where the objects have been spotted would take a while under the best circumstances, and this part of the Indian Ocean is famous for its harsh conditions.
Once the debris is located, the next steps involve moving ships and equipment into place for salvage work that could last weeks. (Related: "Missing Plane Spotlights 4 Ways Aircraft Talk to the Ground.")
The highest priorities will be to find the jet's black
