Sand Crab Burrow and Cometary Surface (IMAGE)

Nagoya University

Sand Crab Burrow and Cometary Surface

Caption

To construct safety burrows, sand crabs dig relatively narrow tunnels. Large burrows are likely to collapse. The pit structures found on comet surfaces have a characteristic size range that is consistent with the collapse condition of void structures in cohesive granular matter. Therefore it appears that both crab burrows and cometary pits are governed by the stability of voids in cohesive granular matter.

Credit

Ayuko Shinoda and Hiroaki Katsuragi

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.