GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Wischhofstr. 1-3
D-24148 Kiel
Germany
Phone: +49-431 600-0
Fax: +49-431 600-2805
E-mail: info(at)geomar.de
May 31, 2016: "The BIG Questions" Lecture Series
16:00 h, Gr. Konferenzraum, GEOMAR Düsternbrooker Weg 20
Abstract:
On the way back from their feeding grounds in the northeastern Atlantic to the Azores sperm whales take the route north of the British Isles, where they can safely navigate in calm deep water. Occasionally, some groups may get lost on their return and enter the North Sea, a shallow and unfamiliar habitat which makes the whales unoriented. As a fatal consequence they beach in the coastal North Sea and die - like during the recent mass stranding of 30 young males in January/February 2016. The presentation will illustrate and discuss possible reasons of this dramatic event.
