"HARMONY IN COMPLEXITY" • A MUSICAL DATA SONIFICATION OF ONE CENTURY OF CLIMATE DATA

Publication date

2025-07-08

Authors

van Nispen, Than
Rebel, K. T.ORCID 0000-0002-1722-3935ISNI 0000000394721070

Editors

Advisors

Supervisors

DOI

Document Type

Part of book
Open Access logo

License

cc_by

Abstract

"Harmony in Complexity" transforms a century of climate data (1924-2024) into a musical experience through two distinct sonification layers: global CO2 concentrations are mapped to sine wave frequencies, creating an evolving tonal foundation, while planetary temperature anomalies are transformed into musical notes, representing three different Northern Hemisphere zones, arranged in triads. Through interactive audience participation, the connection between the audience and the data is further enhanced. This paper describes the technical aspects of the sonification process, the theoretical framework underpinning its design and aesthetics, and discusses the potential of Art-Science collaborations to convey complex data and potentially drive transformative learning experiences.

Keywords

Media Technology, Music, Computer Science Applications, SDG 13 - Climate Action

Citation

van Nispen, T & Rebel, K T 2025, "HARMONY IN COMPLEXITY" • A MUSICAL DATA SONIFICATION OF ONE CENTURY OF CLIMATE DATA. in Proceedings of the 22nd Sound and Music Computing Conference, SMC 2025. Proceedings of the Sound and Music Computing Conferences, Sound and Music Computing Network, pp. 86-91, 22nd Sound and Music Computing Conference, SMC 2025, Graz, Austria, 7/07/25., conference