Many mysteries in science often revolve around sounds that experts can’t identify. In space, for example, unexplained radio bursts puzzle astronomers. However, down on Earth, particularly in the ocean, there also are intriguing mysteries. One of these engimas is a sound that has been recurring in the Pacific since 1960. It remains undeciphered.
Like a duck’s quack. This mysterious sound, known as the “bio-duck,” was first recorded in Antarctic waters in 1960 by Oberon-class submarines. The noise resembles the quacking of a duck, but it has a much deeper and more resonant tone. It’s characteristically repeated in various regions of the ocean, notably around Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica. An acoustic analysis in the South Fiji Basin in 1982 also detected these sounds.
In 2014, researchers believed they had established a link between the bio-duck and Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). However, recent findings have taken an unexpected turn. A group of researchers has recorded similar sounds in areas where these whales haven’t been observed, leading to the development of a new theory.
The biological origins of the sound. Ross Chapman, an expert in ocean acoustics at the University of Victoria in Canada, has been investigating this phenomenon since 1986. Based on data collected over the years, Chapman’s research indicates that the sound is indeed biological in nature. Although the repetitiveness of the noise initially raised doubts, advancements in acoustic technology have allowed him to identify patterns that suggest it’s produced by marine animals.
Chapman’s team has discovered that these sounds likely represent organized interactions among different emitters. The analyses show that multiple emitters create these sounds from various locations, alternating between “talking” and “listening,” which points to a conversation-like behavior. While Chapman and his team propose that these emission and response patterns are intentional, the exact purpose of these “dialogues” remains a mystery.
Discovery and implications. The bio-duck sound was initially recorded in Antarctic waters and later off the western coast of Australia in 1982. It continued to appear in various locations after that. Early on, researchers used an acoustic antenna equipped with hydrophones to track the origin of the bio-duck.
This system allowed them to refine the direction of the sounds and revealed a wealth of information about various acoustic emissions in the ocean, including those from marine mammals. Advances in this research support the theory that multiple sea creatures, possibly Antarctic minke whales, are the source of these sounds.
A marine “chatter.” While the bio-duck is primarily associated with Antarctic minke whales, it remains unclear whether other cetaceans produce similar sounds. Theoretically, this could be possible, considering experts have found sounds in regions where these creatures aren’t present.
Even more intriguing is the function of these noises. Chapman speculates that they may be related to communication between individuals, whether to coordinate activities, teach their young, or share information about their environment. However, all of these hypotheses lack scientific confirmation.
A secret conversation. Despite advancements in research, the question of what sea creatures “discuss” remains unanswered. Chapman humorously suggests that they could be talking about food, caring for their young, or simply commenting on the presence of a scientific ship nearby.
One thing seems abundantly clear. This phenomenon highlights how little the scientific community still knows about marine communication and leaves the door open for future research to unravel this fascinating “dialogue.” In the meantime, the underwater conversations of these creatures remain an unfathomable mystery.
Image | Jay Ruzesky
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