Photosynthesis Makes a Sound
December 12, 2018 7:56 AM Subscribe
The ping of algae turning sunlight into energy adds to the soundscape of marine ecosystems.
Teasing sounds apart in an underwater habitat is like trying to listen for the crackle of a single street light in the middle of Times Square. So when scientists thought they heard the sound of algae on a coral reef, their hunch was met with some skepticism. How could something seemingly so sedentary ring out over some of the ocean’s chattiest (and most flatulent) inhabitants, sloshing waves, and noisy humans? With bubbles, it turns out.
Teasing sounds apart in an underwater habitat is like trying to listen for the crackle of a single street light in the middle of Times Square. So when scientists thought they heard the sound of algae on a coral reef, their hunch was met with some skepticism. How could something seemingly so sedentary ring out over some of the ocean’s chattiest (and most flatulent) inhabitants, sloshing waves, and noisy humans? With bubbles, it turns out.
This is a NIFTY thing- thanks for sharing! (And is absolutely going to be my mildly amusing anecdote for the next couple of days.)
posted by Bibliogeek at 8:57 AM on December 12, 2018
posted by Bibliogeek at 8:57 AM on December 12, 2018
I am thoroughly delighted by this and will file it away for my spring botany course.
posted by pemberkins at 9:16 AM on December 12, 2018
posted by pemberkins at 9:16 AM on December 12, 2018
Depending on the size, number, frequency, volume, etc. of oxygen bubbles produced by algae, perhaps fish can hear and recognize their home reef by its unique sound?
posted by cenoxo at 10:18 AM on December 12, 2018 [5 favorites]
posted by cenoxo at 10:18 AM on December 12, 2018 [5 favorites]
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Dying trees go pop.
Scientific progress goes boink.
posted by duffell at 8:14 AM on December 12, 2018