This is terrific stuff, and humbles us once again about how little we know. And so, apparently, do other elephants - using their toenails to sense messages sent from as far as 20 miles away. They may be communicating at far greater distances than we thought. This notion of long distance communications by the elephants is central to their lives and this study effort. People use high frequency radio transmissions to communicate over long distances.
Elephants use low frequency seismic and vocal sounds to do so.
Quinn said that by studying separate groups of elephants in Africa, India, and in captivity in Texas, the Stanford researcher found indications that elephants have a highly developed set of seismic signals, creating ground vibrations both through their vocal calls, which create a low level rumbling, and by stomping their feet in mock charges. Other animals, ranging from certain types of moles and seals to insects, fish, and reptiles, are known to use seismic signals to find mates, locate prey or establish territories. But the elephants' methods of seismic communication appear to be more complex, and travel far greater distances. A study done on elephant behavior in Angola indicates that a thirsty elephant herd was detecting and moving toward a thunderstorm 100 miles away. Algorithms, computer software, and equipment developed at BRP are used by scientists around the world to study animal communication and to monitor the health of wildlife populations.