Elephants produce low‑frequency vocalisations that generate seismic waves in the ground. These signals are detected by their feet and trunk, allowing them to perceive conspecifics over long distances
Main claim
Elephants emit very low‑frequency rumbles that couple into the substrate as seismic waves. Other elephants detect those ground vibrations and use them as an additional communication channel that complements airborne sound.
How it works
Rumbles contain strong energy at frequencies often below 40 Hz, frequencies that propagate efficiently as surface seismic waves (for example, Rayleigh waves). Part of the acoustic energy radiates through the air while another part converts into ground motion that travels away from the caller.
Detection mechanisms
Elephants can sense ground vibrations via bone conduction through their limbs to the middle ear and via mechanoreceptors in the padded soles of their feet and in the trunk. These receptors allow them to detect, localise and behaviourally respond to seismic signals.
Range and effectiveness
Seismic signals can travel farther than equivalent airborne sound under favourable conditions (firm ground, low attenuation), enabling communication between groups separated by kilometres. Effectiveness depends on substrate type, signal amplitude and background noise.
Scientific evidence
Field and laboratory studies using hydrophones, geophones and behavioural experiments have shown that elephants alter movements and social behaviour in response to recorded seismic calls, supporting the conclusion that ground‑borne vibrations carry meaningful information.
Implications
Seismic communication broadens our understanding of elephant social coordination, mating and alerting systems and offers non‑invasive monitoring possibilities for conservation and anti‑poaching efforts by detecting elephant presence and behaviour remotely.
Conclusion
In summary, elephants use low‑frequency vocalisations that produce ground vibrations as an effective, long‑range communication channel. They "hear" these seismic signals through specialised sensory pathways, making substrate vibration an important part of their sensory ecology.