Specieswatch: Scientists trace haunting sea thrums to humpback whales
Scientists have identified deep rumbling noises in the ocean as sounds made by humpback whales. This discovery reveals that humpback whales possess a more extensive vocabulary than previously understood. The findings could aid in preventing ship strikes on whales and contribute to the search for extraterrestrial life.
- ▪Researchers recorded low-frequency rumbles and new sounds from humpback whales near Maui, Hawaii.
- ▪The sounds can be heard up to 6 miles away and may originate from structures in the whales' blowholes.
- ▪Understanding these whale sounds could help prevent collisions with ships and inform extraterrestrial life searches.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A family of humpback whales near Maui, Hawaii. Photograph: NOAA/AlamyView image in fullscreenA family of humpback whales near Maui, Hawaii. Photograph: NOAA/AlamySpecieswatchWhalesSpecieswatch: Scientists trace haunting sea thrums to humpback whalesUnderstanding whale sounds could help prevent strikes from ships and even aid in search for extraterrestrial lifeKate RaviliousWed 3 Jun 2026 01.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIf you stand on certain shorelines and listen carefully you might just hear deep rumbling noises.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — Environment.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Guardian — Environment
