Whales do not burst when they die. This is a misconception or an exaggerated claim that does not accurately represent the decomposition process of whale carcasses.
When a whale dies, its body undergoes a process called decomposition. Initially, gases produced by bacteria and other microorganisms within the body can cause it to bloat. This bloating may result in the release of gases when the whale carcass reaches the surface of the water. The release of gases can cause the carcass to appear as if it is "exploding" or "bursting," but this is not a true explosion in the conventional sense.
In reality, the carcass eventually decomposes, and the process is facilitated by scavengers, such as sharks, fish, and marine invertebrates, which feed on the remains. The decomposition process can take several weeks to months, depending on various factors such as water temperature, depth, and the presence of marine organisms.
It's worth mentioning that large whale carcasses often provide important ecological opportunities by creating a localized ecosystem that supports a diverse range of organisms. These carcasses, known as "whale falls," can provide sustenance for many deep-sea organisms and contribute to the overall nutrient cycling in the marine environment.