By alternating between high and low flight paths near the ocean, what energy source does the Wandering Albatross harness via wind shear?
Answer
Kinetic energy generated by the wind gradient
The efficiency of dynamic soaring is fundamentally based on the albatross's ability to manipulate atmospheric mechanics right above the ocean surface. This technique allows the bird to borrow or harness the kinetic energy present within the wind gradient. The wind gradient describes the increasing wind speed encountered as altitude increases just above the water. By flying high into the wind to gain altitude and then plunging down through the wind shear layer close to the waves, the bird effectively translates the difference in wind speed across those small vertical changes into forward momentum and renewed altitude without needing to exert significant muscular effort through flapping.
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