Waves to Waveforms: Performing the Thresholds of Sensors and Sense-Making in the Anthropocene

This paper details the technical and conceptual background for the developing art project Waveform. This project is a creative-critical meditation on the role of digital sensors in monitoring and representing environmental change. It explores the origins and functioning of the global sensory architectures used to detect and assess these changes, deconstructing the connotations of omniscience, abstraction, and control associated with the ‘top-down’, data-driven mappings they generate. In so doing, Waveform enacts a speculative instance of how digital sensors can highlight the ambiguities and tensions of life in an increasingly damaged ecology. This experimental aspect involves capturing images of coastal shorelines using an airborne camera drone, and then analysing these using software that maps the outlines of incoming waves. The resulting data is then processed by software that generates text resembling free-verse poetry. These steps are not autonomous, and are subject to human intervention at each stage, with the generated poems being curated so as to engage themes concerning coast, a changing climate, and scientific knowledge-making. The outcome is an assemblage of artefacts, processes, and representations that can suggest alternative narratives of sensing and sense-making, so as to better apprehend the complexities of the present moment.

Casuarina equisetifolia, Australian Pine

Casuarina equisetifolia, Australian Pine (FOR298/FR366) Australian pine was originally planted in Florida in the late 1800′s as a windbreak and for shade. But soon thereafter it was spreading without help from humans. Today it is considered a category I invasive species in Florida, and the Division of Plant Industry strictly prohibits possessing, transporting, and cultivating this species. For those who find this tree in close proximity to their home, it’s a good idea to replace it since Australian pine is known to have a very low resistance to wind. Australian pine is commonly found growing on coastal shorelines since it thrives in salty, sandy environments. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr366

Mangrove Rehabilitation on Highly Eroded Coastal Shorelines at Samut Sakhon, Thailand

The study site is currently retreating at a rate of 20 m y−1due to severe coastal erosion and found to be highly polluted as revealed from the water, sediment and biological analysis. In an attempt to prevent coastal erosion, 14,000Rhizophora mucronata(RM) trees were planted across a heavily eroded shoreline at Samut Sakhon, Thailand. The survival rate of RM was high at the landward area and decreased at the offshore area. The most landward plot showed the highest survival rate when measured 4 years after planting (63.5%), while only 26.7% of trees survived at the most offshore plot. NPK and coconut fiber were shown to be significantly effective to enhance initial tree growths in heavily eroded area.

PROTECTION OF COASTAL SHORELINES FROM OIL SPILLS USING NATURAL AGENTS

ABSTRACT Some products have been proposed which will reduce the adhesion of oil to rocks, and thus diminish the impact of oil spills on shorelines. The products are natural, biodegradable materials (polysaccharides). Experiments conducted in a simulated tidal zone resulted in a 20% to 30% decrease in the adhesion of oil compared with control tests. The products retained their effectiveness for six days after application. In situ tests also showed significant results.

MICROBIOLOGICAL AND NATURAL PRODUCT SYSTEMS FOR THE PROTECTION OF COASTAL SHORELINES FROM OIL SPILLS AND OIL CONTAMINATION

ABSTRACT A study has been conducted to determine the applicability and utility of microbiological systems and natural plant products for the protection of rocky shorelines and pebbly beaches from oil spills and oil contamination. Experimental evidence has been collected indicating that various physical forms of certain microorganisms and several natural plant polysaccharides are effective in preventing the surfaces of dry rocks of various compositions and porosities from being wet by several types of oils. Information is presented concerning the effective dosage or concentration levels of the materials required to afford protection of rocks against oil contamination, the methods of application of the protecting agents, the effects of temperature, the duration of the protection offered, and the overall efficiency of the microbiological and natural plant product systems.