Scientists closer to finding impact of noise on whales
Monday, 04 Feb 2008 07:08
Scientists aim to understand how underwater noise affects whales
Science In Focus
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Scientists say they are one step closer to understanding how underwater sounds impact on marine animals.
The team from San Diego State University and the University of California have been using computer models to mimic the effects of underwater noise on an unusual whale species.
Writing today in the Institute of Physics journal Bioinspiration and Biomimetics, the researchers say they have discovered a new pathway for sound entering the head and ears of a specific type of whale.
They used finite element modelling (Fem), computed tomography (CT) scanning and computer processing to simulate the environment and anatomy of a Cuvier's beaked whale when a sonar signal is sent out or received by the whale.
Researchers chose this type of whale as over recent years there have been instances when it has stranded after exposure to intense sound.
Since the 1960s scientists have believed that noise vibrations travel through the thin bony walls of toothed whales' lower jaw and on to the fat body attached to the ear complex.
But the latest research shows that the thin bony walls do not transmit the vibrations, which instead enter through the throat and then pass to the bony ear complex via a unique fatty channel.
The findings prompted the team to argue that their research will advance future studies that could determine the effects of underwater sound on mammals such as whales and dolphins.
"I think that the methods developed for this research have the potential to revolutionise our understanding of the impact of noise on marine organisms," said Dr Cranford of San Diego State University.