Thwaites Glacier
Immersive Exhibition for *This is Not a Drill* Student Fellowship
Immersive Exhibition for *This is Not a Drill* Student Fellowship
Based on research conducted by the Thwaites MELT project, we reached out to Dr. Peter Davis of the British Antarctic Survey for guidance on his and his colleagues' research concerning the Thwaites Glacier, a significant glacier within the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Our Focus:
Our experience specifically revolved around the specific risks and timeline of Thwaites' collapse. We concentrated on dissecting the anatomy of the glacier and understanding the factors contributing to its melting.
With careful consideration of accessibility requirements and the physical constraints of our exhibition space, we made the deliberate choice to prioritize a digital experience. Our focus centered on utilizing data sourced from the IPCC and insights gleaned from a talk delivered by the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration.
To ensure the factual accuracy and credibility of our visuals and information, we collaborated with Dr. Davis, whose expertise played a vital role in validating our content.
My Responsibilities:
> Replicating the Anatomy of a Glacier
> Exploring the Glacier
To craft an immersive experience exploring the Thwaites Glacier, I started by developing a 3D model of the glacier. This model was meticulously based on a cross-sectional diagram, offering the viewer a comprehensive tour of the Thwaites Glacier.
I portrayed the glacier's consequential collapse using Blender's Cycles Engine, combining 3D modeling and animation techniques, with a specific focus on Blender's cell fracturing feature. This approach allowed us to vividly convey the intricate dynamics of the glacier's behavior and the potential consequences, resulting in an engaging and informative educational experience with captivating visuals.
I employed Unity to craft an engaging educational application that takes users on a virtual journey through the intricate sections of the Thwaites Glacier. This immersive experience not only explores the glacier's features but also provides valuable context on the potential implications of the glacier's collapse.
The implementation of Unity's Cinemachine Library was integral to this project: it gave a cinematic perspective of the glacier. Additionally, I created the user interface elements and guiding visuals using a combination of After Effects and Figma.
My project partner, Lily Yu, dedicated her efforts to creating a comprehensive timeline of the Thwaites Glacier, encompassing its future implications. This timeline is artistically portrayed through a visual representation resembling a "fracture" within the glacier.
Her website can be seen at: https://tinad-doomsday-glacier.glitch.me/
**Exhibited at NYU Bobst
