Sounding Antarctica

The Antarctic and the surrounding ocean are a vast icescape elusive to mankind at large, albeit critical to the region and to the global climate and ecosystems. Our project combines glaciological research with field recordings of sea ice, and the techniques of sonification, together with satellite visualization to develop immersive sound environments that create sonic landscapes capturing the dramatic decline of Southern Ocean sea ice, particularly relevant given the unprecedented loss of sea ice observed in 2023. The work bridges the chasm between scientific knowledge and the everyday audience, granting access to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, locales that remain both integral yet inaccessible for the global population. By transforming data and field recordings into sonic experiences, we aim to engage individuals and help them connect with these regions and push the boundaries of what research into sea ice can glean from sonic investigation. We explore sonification of a range of sea-ice data as well as different sound recordings made in Antarctica to interpret the icy environment and provide a new perspective of the changes and pressures the system is under. This project not only celebrates the natural wonders of the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean but also underscores the urgency of understanding and addressing the global issue of melting ice. Through art and science, we aim to foster a profound connection between the audience and Antarctica.