Science Past for January 31, 1959

SEA VOICE MAY WARN REDS OF COMING STORMS — By listening to the sea’s voice, Russian scientists say they may be able to detect approaching storms. A Scientific Information Report circulated by the Central Intelligence Agency carries an abstract from an “unevaluated” paper prepared by Ya. Petrov, a Russian scientist. [He] says … V. V. Shuleykin has studied the vortex air flow behind sea waves which creates an “infrasonic wave” called “sea voice.” Mr. Shuleykin suggests detection of these waves could serve as forewarning of approaching storms. The work is being done at Russia’s L’vov Polytechnic Institute, which boasts a special magnetic sound recorder for capturing and reproducing sound waves too low in frequency to be heard.