Dolphins blow vortex rings, apparently because they enjoy doing it.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Spinnor
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Rings Vortex
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Dolphins exhibit the behavior of blowing vortex rings, which researchers suggest may be a form of play. The discussion references a study published by Quanta Magazine that highlights the unexpected aspects of turbulence related to these rings. The Spinner Dolphin, specifically mentioned in the context of a memorable free diving experience, showcases social and playful behavior in marine environments. This behavior is not only entertaining but also provides insights into dolphin communication and social interaction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of marine biology, specifically cetacean behavior.
  • Familiarity with fluid dynamics and turbulence concepts.
  • Knowledge of free diving techniques and safety.
  • Awareness of dolphin species, particularly Spinner Dolphins.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of vortex rings in fluid dynamics.
  • Explore the social behaviors of Spinner Dolphins in marine ecosystems.
  • Study the implications of play behavior in animal communication.
  • Investigate the effects of human interaction on dolphin behavior in tourism contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Marine biologists, wildlife enthusiasts, free divers, and anyone interested in dolphin behavior and marine ecology.

Spinnor
Gold Member
Messages
2,227
Reaction score
419
1599326967015.png


https://d2r55xnwy6nx47.cloudfront.net/uploads/2020/09/0903_TurbulenceBlobs_Dolphins-1920x1080.mp4

From, https://www.quantamagazine.org/an-unexpected-twist-lights-up-the-secrets-of-turbulence-20200903/
 
  • Love
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DennisN, mcastillo356 and etotheipi
Biology news on Phys.org
They already tried smoke rings but it didn't work very well.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Spinnor
Spinnor said:
Dolphins are fun. One of my most memorable free diving experiences was in Hawaii on the northwest shore of Maui with some Spinner Dolphins. They had followed a big tourist catamaran into a bay, entertaining the folks on the cat with their jumping and spinning behavior, and I kicked out toward them to see if I could get a closer look.

When the cat turned and headed out of the bay, the Spinners stayed and I got into the middle of them to see if they were friendly. Unfortunately I was a bit out of breath from kicking hard to get out to them, but I was still able to stay with them a ways down on surface dives, with them letting me be fairly close. It was so cool to be surface diving with them, spinning slowly down alongside them. Very cool and special memory. :smile:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinner_dolphin

BTW, funny coincidence that this thread was started by @Spinnor :wink:
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Klystron, Spinnor and BillTre

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
8K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K