interactive coral.
to coral bleaching
coral bleaching
Corals are small, mini-anemone-like animals called polyps, which can form colonies. Together these polyps form a common skeleton. Coral reefs are made up of a multitude of coral species which together form an ecosystem.
However, when corals are exposed to stressful conditions, such as high temperatures, pollution, or changes in the water’s chemistry, they expel the zooxanthellae. Without them, the coral loses its color and turns white, hence the term “bleaching”. Corals can not live very long in this state.
Human activity that contribute to coral bleaching
-
Overfishing and destructive practices
Certain fish species, such as parrotfish play a crucial role in keeping algae levels in check on coral reefs. When these fish are overfished, algae can outcompete corals for space and resources. Additionally, destructive fishing practices like dynamite fishing or using cyanide to catch fish can directly damage coral reefs and lead to bleaching.
-
pollution
Pollution from human activities, including agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and industrial waste, can negatively impact coral health and increase the likelihood of bleaching. Excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can promote the growth of algae on coral reefs. When algae blooms occur, corals become stressed, like their symbiotic algae, and undergo bleaching.
-
Ocean acidification
Increased CO2 emissions from human activities are not only responsible for climate change but also lead to ocean acidification. When CO2 dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which reduces the ph of the ocean. Acidic conditions make it harder for corals to build and maintain their calcium carbonate structures, making them more susceptible to bleaching.
design process
storyboard
yell at me
By incorporating sound sensor into the installation, it allows visitors to explore the impact of human activities on coral health through auditory interaction.
Upon approaching the installation, visitors are invited to make sound or noise. The sound sensor, connected to Arduino, detects and analyzes the environmental sounds in real-time. As visitors engage with the installation by producing sounds, they witness the direct dramatic light change of the installation.
follow the path
By incorporating a touch sensor into the installation, it allows visitors to physically engage with the exhibit and explore the impact of human activity on coral health through tactile interaction.
As visitors walk along a designated path, they encounter a specially designed road embedded with touch sensors. Each touch sensor is contacted to Arduino and triggers a change in the lighting display as visitors step on it. This interactive experience allows visitors to witness the direct relationship between their footsteps and the response of the coral installation.