In the 1980s, an enigmatic sound from the depths of the ocean captured the scientific community’s attention. This phenomenon, which came to be known as the “Bio-Duck” sound, has remained a mystery since its first detection in July 1982. It was during an experiment conducted in the South Fiji Basin that researchers in New Zealand recorded an unknown sound composed of four short bursts, similar to a duck’s quack, hence the name “Bio-Duck”.
Researcher Ross Chapman from Victoria University, who led the study of the phenomenon, recalls the initial surprise generated by the sound. Chapman explains that at first, it was believed that the noise’s source couldn’t be biological due to its repetitive nature. However, after analyzing the data and comparing it with information from colleagues in Australia, they discovered that similar sounds had also been recorded in other areas around New Zealand and Australia. This observation led to a consensus among experts: the “Bio-Duck” was likely a biological phenomenon.
Despite decades of study, the origin of this sound remains an unsolved mystery. Although there are theories that attribute the noises to Antarctic minke whales, these have not been confirmed by visual observations of the animals producing the sound.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the study is the possibility that the “Bio-Duck” could be part of a form of communication among marine animals. The data was recorded using an acoustic array, a system of hydrophones that was towed behind a ship, allowing researchers to identify the direction the sounds were coming from.
Chapman notes that in their records, several “speakers” were detected at different positions in the ocean, emitting sounds and seemingly “listening” when another made a noise, staying silent before responding. This dynamic suggests a form of interaction or conversation that, while not fully understood, appears to follow a coordinated pattern.
Chapman mentions that these sounds may have been a form of social communication, perhaps between parents and offspring, or even comments on the “strange” ship towing the research equipment behind it.
The Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America, held virtually from November 18 to 22, 2024, is an important event for the scientific community in the field of acoustics. During the event, the ASA not only presents studies like Chapman’s, but also offers a variety of papers and presentations in accessible language for the general public, including materials in the form of summarized articles and documents accompanied by images and videos.
Founded to promote the science of sound, the Acoustical Society of America comprises over 7,000 members from different disciplines around the world. Its publications include the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America and Acoustics Today, among other specialized materials covering topics related to acoustics.
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