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Published on: July 15, 2014
Navigation by light polarization in clear and turbid waters
Amit Lerner1, Shai Sabbah, Carynelisa Erlick
1Department of Atmospheric Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel. amit.lerner@mail.huji.ac.il
Summary
Underwater polarization can guide aquatic navigation, but only under specific conditions. This study reveals that clear waters and horizontal viewing are crucial for using polarized light as a reliable underwater compass.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Optics
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Terrestrial animals navigate using sky polarization.
- Aquatic species' ability to use underwater polarization for navigation remains debated.
- The link between underwater polarization patterns and Sun position is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between underwater polarization patterns and Sun position.
- To determine the conditions under which aquatic animals can use underwater polarization for navigation.
- To assess the feasibility of underwater polarization as a navigational compass.
Main Methods:
- Utilized theoretical equations for per cent polarization and electric vector (e-vector) orientation.
- Incorporated Sun position, air-water interface refraction, and Rayleigh single scattering into models.
- Compared theoretical predictions with experimental measurements in various water conditions and depths.
Main Results:
- Per cent polarization correlated with Sun's elevation solely in clear waters.
- Maximum e-vector orientation angle equaled the angle of refraction only in clear, horizontal viewing conditions over deeper seabeds.
- Water turbidity and seabed depth significantly influence polarization patterns.
Conclusions:
- Underwater polarization can serve as a navigational compass, but only under restricted conditions.
- Clear waters, horizontal viewing, and minimal seabed influence are essential for reliable polarization-based navigation.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the ecological implications of these findings.
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