Ocean field note
Ocean singer
The Whale's Long Song
A humpback whale can sing a song that travels for miles through the deep blue sea.
Let's look closer
How far can a song really travel underwater?
ound moves faster and farther through water than it does through air, especially the low, rumbling frequencies that make up much of a humpback whale's song. That deep song can be heard by other whales many miles away, carrying messages across huge stretches of open ocean long before any whale comes into view. Scientists still aren't entirely sure of every reason whales sing, but it likely plays a role in attracting mates and letting distant whales know who else is out there.
Look for this
Explorer clue
If you ever visit the coast during whale season, listen for stories from local guides about recorded whale songs, a wonderful way to "hear" this ocean magic.
Your turn to wonder
Curiosity question
If your voice could travel for miles, what message would you want to send?
Keep wandering
