Skip to main content

Walking on Water

Entomology
Inspired by God's creations, we can find living things in nature to serve as models for many more technological innovations.
| Eren Saglam | Issue 159 (May - Jun 2024)
This article has been viewed 5624 times
Walking on Water

In This Article

  • Water striders amaze us with their unique features that enable them to “walk on water.”
  • A water strider weighs only as much as three sesame seeds combined; this is enough to bend water surfaces, but it can't break them. Thus, the surface tension supports the weight of the water strider
  • The forward movement of the water strider is based on pushing a pack of liquid backwards. By pushing the fluid backwards, they were pushing themselves forward and maintaining their momentum.

Within the narratives of saints, the act of “walking on water” stands out as a recurrent wonder. While this situation is contrary to the laws of physics and is of course met with surprise by the listeners, it is a perfectly normal way of life for a group of insects, known as the long-legged water striders (Gerris sp.), who can hover on the water surface of calm ponds and rivers as if they were on land.

These brown insects usually stand still; but they are also created with an ability to act speedily on water and make sudden movements if somehow stimulated. In the process, small waves of water are formed behind them, which spread outward. The question that comes to mind is: How do they stay on the water?

Subscribe

More Coverage

The Enchanting World of the Houses of Worship

The Enchanting World of the Houses of Worship

Houses of worship play a pivotal role in showcasing a significant aspect of Islamic culture. When viewed as comprehensive complexes with their facilities, masjids or mosques embody a distinctive heritage of Muslim civilization. These sacred spaces...
Earth's Magnetic Jacket

Earth's Magnetic Jacket

When we look around us at the world of the living, “protection” appears to be an essential component of survival. Animals are equipped with various mechanisms to protect themselves from the harms of the environment or other predators. Cats have cl...
Are Brains the Source?

Are Brains the Source?

There are many mysterious aspects of animal behavior which keep mesmerizing scientists. Zoologists dedicate their research to unravel these mysteries, not only to gain insights for our improvement, but also to understand the similarities and diffe...
Analyzing Drug Formulations and Halal Status of a Drug (2)

Analyzing Drug Formulations and Halal Status of a Drug (2)

People all over the world, rely on modern medicine to cure diseases. Whether it is a simple painkiller for a headache, or medication needed for a chronic disease like hypertension, we are using medications produced by the current pharmaceutical in...