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Updated: Jan 11, 2026
22:38
Chemotactic Response of Marine Micro-Organisms to Micro-Scale Nutrient Layers
Published on: May 28, 2007
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Plankton active response to turbulence enables efficient transport
Michelle H DiBenedetto1, Rémi Monthiller2, Christophe Eloy2
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|November 14, 2025
Summary
Plankton can "surf" ocean turbulence by sensing and responding to water flow, enhancing their movement. This study provides the first experimental proof using larval snails, showing they can exploit turbulence for better transport.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Marine biology
- Plankton behavior
Background:
- Plankton have limited mobility in ocean currents.
- Theorized 'surfing' strategy suggests plankton can exploit flow features for enhanced transport.
- Upwelling areas are crucial for plankton sampling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide the first experimental evidence of plankton surfing turbulence.
- To investigate the response of real plankton to velocity gradients.
- To compare plankton behavior with the surfing theory.
Main Methods:
- Studied the larval snail Crepidula fornicata as a model organism.
- Observed plankton behavior in a jet-stirred turbulence tank.
- Compared experimental data with simulations of surfing plankton.
Main Results:
- Plankton exhibit complex responses to velocity gradients, actively rotating to oppose vorticity.
- This active rotation contrasts with passive, gyrotactic responses.
- Plankton were observed to preferentially sample upwelling areas, enhancing transport.
Conclusions:
- Experimental evidence supports the plankton surfing theory in turbulent flows.
- Plankton can actively manipulate their position in flows to enhance dispersal.
- The findings have implications for understanding plankton distribution and transport in marine environments.
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