Dolphin Bubble Rings Explained

The ability of dolphins to make bubble rings has caught the attention of biologists and physicist. The rings themselves are complex structures that are more than just air bubbles. The act of creating the bubbles and playing with them gives insight into the thinking abilities of dolphins.

About the Rings

The bubble rings are vortex rings with air in the center. The rings maintain their structure underwater for several seconds and do not float immediately to the surface.

Practice

Dolphins that make bubble rings seem to take time to think about and practice their craft. In some cases, if a dolphin does not form a good ring they will break it quickly and start over.

Formations

The dolphins have learned to make several ring formations and manipulate the rings. They will make rings within rings and move the rings around in the water.

Wild Dolphins

Dolphins in the wild have also been seen making bubble rings. Researchers have witness both Pacific and Atlantic spotted dolphins making bubble rings during social interactions in the wild.

Social and Play

In captivity dolphins create the bubbles as a form of play. They do this in both solitary and social settings and seem to learn from one another.

References

• Bubble Ring Play of Bottlenose Dolphins
• Scientific American "Ring of Bubbles": Ken Marten and Karim Shariff: 1996
• Earthtrust: Mystery of the Silver Rings

Resources

• Scientific American: Whistles with Dolphins