Why do dolphins create air rings and how do they defy buoyancy?

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SUMMARY

Dolphins create air rings through a process that involves rotation and the formation of whirlpools, which temporarily hold the rings in place. Contrary to the initial assumption, these air rings do not counteract buoyancy but are instead maintained by the dynamics of water movement. This phenomenon highlights the intricate relationship between marine mammals and their aquatic environment.

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  • Understanding of fluid dynamics
  • Basic knowledge of marine biology
  • Familiarity with dolphin behavior
  • Concept of buoyancy in physics
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  • Research fluid dynamics principles related to vortex formation
  • Explore marine mammal behavior and communication techniques
  • Study the physics of buoyancy and its applications in aquatic environments
  • Investigate the role of whirlpools in marine ecosystems
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Marine biologists, physicists, educators, and anyone interested in the behavior of dolphins and the principles of fluid dynamics.

Isaacsname
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Hello,

I apologize in advance if this is the wrong section, it seemed the most appropriate

Dolphins are able to produce rings of air which seem to counteract buoyancy by rotating ( I'm assuming rotation )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bT-fctr32pE

How and why is this true ?

Thanks
 
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They don't counteract buoyancy, they are held in place by a whirlpool - and only for a limited time.

I am moving it to physics, it fits there much better.
 

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