Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered that gelatinous sea animals, specifically salps, swim through the ocean in giant corkscrew shapes using coordinated jet propulsion, a unique form of locomotion that could potentially lead to new designs for efficient underwater vehicles. These small creatures, which resemble jellyfish, embark on a nightly journey from the depths of the ocean to the surface, showcasing graceful and coordinated swimming behavior that has captured the interest of scientists.
The study, led by Kelly Sutherland, an associate professor in biology at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, was published in the journal Science Advances and involved collaborations with several other research institutions. Salps, despite their jellyfish-like appearance, are actually barrel-shaped macroplankton that are more closely related to vertebrates such as fish and humans. They typically live far from shore and can exist either as solitary individuals or as colonies consisting of hundreds of individuals joined together in chains.
During ocean expeditions off the coast of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, the researchers used specialized 3D camera systems to observe and record the swimming techniques of these unique sea creatures. Through their observations, they identified two modes of swimming among the salps: shorter colonies exhibited a spinning motion around an axis, while longer chains displayed a coiling movement resembling that of a corkscrew. This helical swimming, powered by jet propulsion, distinguishes salps from other microorganisms that move through water using different mechanisms.
The researchers noticed that the individual muscle bands of the salps contracted at different times, driving the colony forward in a steady and coordinated manner. This pulsating motion, combined with the angled jets of water expelled by the creatures, contributed to the overall spinning and coiling effect observed during their swimming. Inspired by these efficient swimmers, the researchers suggest that engineers could potentially design larger underwater vehicles that replicate the multi-jet propulsion system of salps, leading to quieter and more fuel-efficient robots.
Overall, the discovery of helical swimming in salps has opened up new questions and avenues for research in the field of marine biology. The study has shed light on a previously unknown form of locomotion that could have widespread implications for understanding and potentially harnessing the efficiency of natural movements in the underwater environment. As scientists continue to explore and study sea creatures using innovative methods, they may uncover more instances of helical swimming in a variety of organisms, ultimately broadening our understanding of aquatic locomotion and inspiring future technological advancements.
