Potential Effects of Anthropogenic Radiofrequency Radiation on Cetaceans
Balmori-de la Puente A, Balmori A · 2024
The review found spatial and temporal patterns in cetacean strandings after radar setup and proposed that anthropogenic radiofrequency radiation from radars may cause strandings by interfering with echolocation.
Plain English Summary
The paper reviews types and causes of cetacean strandings, focusing on mass strandings lacking a direct scientific explanation. The authors propose that anthropogenic radiofrequency radiation from military and meteorological radars may cause strandings in areas with powerful radars. They searched accessible databases of military and meteorological radars worldwide and reviewed research articles on mass live strandings to find temporal or spatial patterns. The data showed certain patterns of spatial and temporal evidence in stranding concentrations along the coast after radar setup and described how radars may interfere with cetacean echolocation. Plausible mechanisms such as interference with echolocation systems or pulse communication systems are proposed.
Why This Matters
Cetaceans strand for many reasons, and sometimes the cause is unclear. Failure of cetacean orientation due to radiofrequency radiation and alterations in the Earth’s magnetic field from solar storms are among the proposed causes. The work is theoretical but leads to a hypothesis that could be empirically tested. Further in-depth studies are needed to confirm or reject the proposed hypothesis.
Show BibTeX
@article{balmori_de_la_puente_a_balmori_a_ce4902,
author = {Balmori-de la Puente A and Balmori A},
title = {Potential Effects of Anthropogenic Radiofrequency Radiation on Cetaceans},
year = {2024},
doi = {10.3390/radiation4010001},
}