Why do whales spray water when they surface?

Contrary to popular belief, whales do not squirt seawater out of their blowholes. The spout people see is actually caused by exhaled air. Since the exhaled air is typically warmer than the surrounding air at the water's surface, it cools rapidly as it flows out. The water vapor in the air immediately condenses into a liquid, giving the appearance of spraying water.

 
Charles Mims
http://www.the-sandbox.org
 
 
________________________________

Changes to your subscription (unsubs, nomail, digest) can be made by going to 
http://sandboxmail.net/mailman/listinfo/sndbox_sandboxmail.net 

Reply via email to