Walking on water may seem miraculous, but for tiny aquatic snails, it's an everyday activity. Now scientists believe they know how these creatures actually move on the water's surface.
Photo courtesy Eric Lauga
After studying videos of the snails, scientists discovered that a snail makes small rippling motions with its foot, and creates traction for itself on the water's surface, according to Eric Lauga, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of California, San Diego. The researchers' observations are detailed in the journal Physics of Fluids.
Photo courtesy Eric Lauga
After studying videos of the snails, scientists discovered that a snail makes small rippling motions with its foot, and creates traction for itself on the water's surface, according to Eric Lauga, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of California, San Diego. The researchers' observations are detailed in the journal Physics of Fluids.
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