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Simulations to True Animals’ Long-Distance Geomagnetic Navigation.

Authors :
Qi, Xiaokang
Ye, Dexin
Sun, Yongzhi
Li, Changzhi
Ran, Lixin
Source :
IEEE Transactions on Magnetics; Jan2017, Vol. 53 Issue 1, p1-8, 8p
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

How animals navigate in their cross-continental migration has puzzled scientists for centuries. To date, the mechanism behind this mysterious navigation remains unclear. In this paper, a hypothesis is developed and computer simulations have been performed to investigate long-distance animal navigation. Simulation results show that animals may be able to complete their long-distance navigation by observing a spatial angle included by the geomagnetic field line and a geographic direction, without necessarily knowing any prior landmark information. Our results not only match existing observation reports in detail on the long-distance migration routes of animals, but also are able to explain the conflicting evidence on the role of geomagnetic field in animal navigation. We think our results could help reveal the actual mechanism of animal navigation. This paper also provides a potential solution for global and local area navigation of mankind and machines assisted by artificial sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00189464
Volume :
53
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
IEEE Transactions on Magnetics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
120414400
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1109/TMAG.2016.2600540