| (A) Schematic representation of iso-pressure contours
(red lines) and flow patterns (blue lines with arrows) about a dipole source (sinusoidally
vibrating sphere). A lateral line canal is modeled as a simple tube with an array of
directionally-sensitive flow sensors (neuromasts) between pressure sampling points (canal
pores).
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| (B) Distribution of pressure and pressure differences
between consecutive pore pairs. The flow field equations for a dipole source are used to
calculate the pressure difference between canal pores, which in this example are separated by equal distances of 2 mm. Since fluid motion inside the canal and thus, the response of each neuromast is proportional to the pressure difference between the two adjacent pores, the 'mexican hat' pattern shown here approximates the excitation pattern along the array of neuromasts. Arrows depict the relative direction of water flow inside the canal for positive and negative pressure gradients. |
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| (C) Visual spectrum corresponding to pressure gradient pattern in B. |  |