Summary

This paper explores the research, making, and performance of Sastrugi: Sounds of Antarctic Sea Ice. Combining the techniques of sonification, field recording, and musique concrète, Sastrugi orchestrates multi-sensory world building for the audience where immersive soundscapes, data-driven violin composition and visuals narrate the poignant tale of vanishing sea ice in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean. In the face of a record-breaking year for Antarctic sea ice in 2023, this project emerged as a vital testament to the Earth's changing climate and highlights the power of creative approaches for engaging audiences with science and vast amounts of data.

Authors:Chua S. Chester D. Published in: 2025 Category 4: Popular articles Program area: Antarctic Climate
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Chua S., Chester D. (2025) Ephemerality and Performance: Sastrugi Sounds of Antarctic Sea Ice, Leonardo 1-18; https://direct.mit.edu/leon/article/doi/10.1162/leon_a_02703/128637/Ephemerality-and-Performance-Sastrugi-Sounds-of;

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