Research Highlights

Summary

WaterViz for Hubbard Brook is a new online tool for creatively communicating water cycle science to the public with real time forest data. The hydrologic sciences, visual arts, music, education, and graphic design are all part of the WaterViz for Hubbard Brook. It builds on a new generation of digital environmental sensors and wireless communication devices that are revolutionizing how scientists "see" the natural world. Hydrologic data are captured from a small experimental forest owned and operated by the Forest Service in the rugged White Mountains of New Hampshire using an array of environmental sensors. These data are transmitted to the Internet in real time and are used to drive a computer model that calculates all components of the water cycle for the catchment in real time. These data, in turn, drive an artistic simulation (delivered as a flash animation) and musical sonification (delivered via an internet radio station) of the water cycle, reflecting the hydrologic processes occurring at that moment in time. The viewer is invited to explore the website, interact with the data, and learn more about water-cycle science and the Forest Service's experimental forests and ranges.

Additional Resources