How Tall Are Termite Mounds?
WouterTermite mounds are a strong earthen structure that is built by the termites. They are stable, yet surprisingly porous. This allows them to ventilate their underground nests.
The size and shape of the mounds vary. Some mounds are a few feet tall while others are as high as 7 meters. The average size of a termite mound is somewhere in between.
These massive skyscraper mounds have been a source of fascination for many researchers. They are also used by animals as lookouts and sources of food. Some local farmers even mix the soil from termite mounds with their fields to enhance the yield. The soil contains bacteria that produce potassium, indole acetic acid, and nitrogen fixation.
These bacteria can solubilize phosphate and potassium in the soil, increasing the fertilization rates of the surrounding soil. They also can suppress plant soil pathogens, which helps to increase plant growth.
The termite mounds’ surface is porous, which is essential for ventilating the underground nests. The heat produced by the termites pushes air up into the mound, regulating the temperature.
The outwash pediment is a distinctive feature of the mounds. The pediment is made of soil that has been eroded from the mound. The outwash pediment is 10-20 meters in diameter. It is tilted at about 19 degrees at the study site, which corresponds to the zenith angle of the sun.
Scientists are still working to figure out the exact structure of the termite colonies. It is thought that these structures are self-organizing, facilitated by increased tunnel network connectivity. These processes may be triggered by chemical signals sent by the queen termite.
