Termite mound architecture and climate control: a review of X-ray tomography and flow field simulation approaches.

Abstract

Termite mounds are known for their ability to maintain self-sustained ventilation and thermoregulation irrespective of external climatic conditions. Although there has been extensive interest in this topic, especially for designing energy-efficient buildings, it is still not fully understood how mound properties are controlled. This article reviews established knowledge and identifies gaps in the study of climate control within termite mounds, proposing an interdisciplinary approach that combines X-ray tomography and flow field simulations. Through specific examples, we demonstrate how these methods can deepen our understanding of termite mound structure and its climate-regulating functions.