Whale Communication and Vocalizations
Whales have a very intriguing method of communicating known as echolocation. They are able to get their sounds to travel for miles as the sound waves move along in the water and get more power from bouncing off what is found in it. Then the sounds will echo back to the whale that sends them. It is estimated that this form of communication can go one mile each second.
When you listen to the sounds that whales make to communicate, you will notice they are very unique. Clicks are part of the basis of such communication. They help the whales to navigate through the waters in addition to the form of communication as well. You will find that different species of whales with take on various forms of communication.
Another form of communication that only the humpback whales engage in is known as singing. When you listen to them for any length of time, you will find repeated patterns in them. It is almost like written lyrics that then come to a familiar chorus. They are more apt to sing these songs when they are migrating and mating. These songs can be up to 30 minutes in length. It is believed that the sounds can travel as far as 100 miles from the location of the humpback whale that created it.
Since whales create small pods you will find that there are communications that are varied in them. This is similar to how different locations in the world have their own terminology. It is quite interesting to explore these various methods of whale communications. Researchers have been able to use it to accurately determine what is going on within pods. Yet they are very uncertain about plenty of it. They have also noticed that the communications among whales in captivity are often very different from those that are in the wild.
There is also a consensus that the various whale communications increase during the mating season. They males often sing low songs to the females as a way to court them. Some researchers also believe these low songs serve as a warning to other males in the area though to stay away. It could be a dual message that tells the female he is interested and lets other males know that they need to find someone else for their own interests.
Some will tell you that it seems like the sounds that whales use for communication have become louder over the past few decades. The belief is that due to the pollutants and toxins in the waters, there is more to stop the sounds from traveling the distances it needs to.
However, it is readily admitted by even the best researchers that we need plenty more information about whale communication before we can completely understand it. The newer technology we have allows us to accurately record whale songs from the depths of the waters around the world. This should serve as a valuable tool for getting more of it deciphered.
It does take a great deal of time though to record all of these types of communications. At the same time it is even harder to get the funding sources to help pay for the cost of men and women to break it all down. Many out there believe there are other aspects to cover for whales that are more pressing than communications. Therefore they would rather see grant money go for them.
