Visualization System for Burrowing Organisms in Granular Substrates

TL;DR

This paper presents an experimental visualization system that captures the burrowing behavior of marine organisms in granular substrates, revealing their interaction with the environment through detailed imaging.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental setup for visualizing burrowing in granular media, enabling detailed observation of organism behavior and substrate deformation.

Findings

Demonstrates burrowing mechanics of razor clams and quahogs.

Shows substrate deformation during burrowing.

Provides visual evidence of organism-substrate interaction.

Abstract

This fluid dynamics video demonstrates the capabilities of an experimental setup to visualize organisms burrowing in granular substrates. The setup consists of a tank filled with 1mm soda-lime glass beads, backlit by halogen lights. The walls can be moved such that the space bound by them can expand or contract to fit various organisms. A recirculation system oxygenates and cools the salt water that flows through the substrate. The video shows the burrowing behavior of a razor clam (Ensis directus) and a quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria). Both animals inflate their foot with blood, making the foot a terminal anchor against which they pull their shell downwards. Deformation of the granular substrate can be seen around the animals as they advance downwards.