Next time you’re at the pool, join the dolphins, moss, and volcanoes in blowing vortex rings. Here’s how: first, squeeze your lips like you’re going to give someone a kiss. Second, increase the air pressure in your mouth. Then quickly open and close your lips so a small amount of air pops out. It can require some practice, not even dolphins learn the trick right away. #
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Island Vortices
The von Karman vortex street isn’t just found in the wake of cylinders in a lab. Wind moving over islands frequently creates the effect, as in this MODIS Aqua image of the coast of Baja California, Mexico. #
Dolphins Making Bubble Rings
Marine animals know more about fluid dynamics than we might think. Dolphins make games out of blowing vortex rings (a.k.a. bubble rings) and tossing them around. You can try, too, next time you’re at the pool!
Smoke Angel
Smoke from flares released by a C-17 Globemaster III gets caught up by the aircraft’s wingtip vortices, creating a distinctive “smoke angel” shape. #
