Seabirds may use infrasound to navigate

New research co-ordinated by the University of Liverpool suggests seabirds may use sound to navigate oceans. The study looked at how albatrosses respond to infrasound – a very low frequency sound that can travel thousands of kilometres.  While humans can’t hear infrasound, some animals can. The study looked at microbaroms – a frequency of infrasound created by waves crashing together or against coastlines. The scientists think infrasound could be used by the birds to find good areas for feeding, as areas of high wave activity can bring fish to the surface. The birds depend on wind to fly efficiently too. The sound of waves against coastlines could also help seabirds find their way to coastal breeding colonies. Data on infrasound across the globe was combined with tracking data from GPS on 89 wandering albatrosses.  Infrasound is monitored globally through a network of sensors installed by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization. Findings showed the birds chose the direction with the loudest infrasound. This suggests the birds could use infrasound to find food or to minimise the energy they use on their travels. The paper is the first evidence that seabirds may respond to infrasound.