Developing a Predictive Capability for Bioluminescence Signatures
Abstract
Bioluminescence represents an operational threat to naval nighttime operations because of the risk of detection due to flow stimulation of naturally occurring plankton. In the littoral, the primary sources of bioluminescence are dinoflagellates, common unicellular plankton that exhibit a wide range of abundance. Dinoflagellate bioluminescence is stimulated by flow stresses of different origins that have sufficient magnitude to cause cell deformation, such as in high shear flows that are created in boundary layers around swimming animals, in ship wakes, and in breaking surface waves, leading to spectacular displays of bioluminescence during periods of high cell abundance. The oceans can be considered a luminescent "minefield" where bioluminescence is stimulated by flow disturbance. The bioluminescent "signatures" of some swimming fish are distinct enough to differentiate species; nocturnally foraging predators may use bioluminescent wakes to locate their prey.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA531012
Entities
People
- Grant B Deane
- M. D. Stokes
- Mark Hyman
- Michael I. Latz
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography