Friday, September 04, 2009
staying on the ground .... martin
staying on the ground
It was very windy at Seaford the other day, and I wondered quite how the seagulls managed to stay standing on the
shingle.
Clearly they face into the wind, otherwise their feathers would have a bad day.
Provided they keep their backs relatively flat and their heads low, their body beneath forms an upside down aerofoil
and this provides a downward force which allows their legs to maintain grip. Actually this is rather better since
the ground is flat beneath, creating an even stronger low pressure under them.
Presumably the force would be greater is they bent their legs a little.
however it was so strong that they much preferred to just sit down on the shingle. Reducing any knee problems
they might have ??
cheers
martinW
