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Description
This study presents a concise mathematical model that accounts for sea-anchor soaring, a special flight technique used by sea birds, in particular storm petrels. Conventional wing theory is used to reveal the mechanics of sea-anchor soaring. The feasibility and existence of an equilibrium are summarized by formulae giving the wind velocity criteria. The stability of the equilibrium is also revealed: among two possible equilibria, the equilibrium at the very low velocity to water is shown to be stable. Numerical examples show the following: sea-anchor soaring is almost always stable; Wilson's storm petrel can soar at 0.256 ms-1 in wind with 4.79 ms-1 under the best conditions. Larger sea-birds like albatrosses need gusty winds to soar, but such strong winds make the sea choppy and hence prevent soaring. Foot-web size regulates the size of a bird utilizing sea-anchor soaring at low velocities to water.Copyright 1998 Academic Press Limited
Journal
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- Journal of Theoretical Biology
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Journal of Theoretical Biology 192 393-402, 1998-06-01
Elsevier BV
