Sonification is the practise of turning data or information into sound. Sound is immersive, instantly accessible and highly memorable and therefore a novel and direct way to engage with science. Since we hear patterns differently to how we process visual information, it can also provide new perspectives on our data. In this talk, we will take a 'fieldtrip through sound', listening to sonifications of diverse geoscience phenomena including weather forecasts, river dynamics and the folding of geological rocks.
Karen Mair is a Professor in Geoscience at UiO Department of Geosciences and the Njord Centre. Her scientific research focusses on deformation (breaking, sliding and yielding) of the Earth's crust. She has a keen interest in mingling art and science and recently obtained a Masters in Design Informatics and a Masters in Sound Design from the University of Edinburgh. She collaborates with composers and sound designers and is currently exploring the use of sound to communicate geoscience.