Future Observatory x Islands
The Design Museum, London, UK

Abyssal Plumes

The film explores microscopic life in the abyssal zone, one of the deepest ocean regions. It shows the formation of a polymetallic nodule - a mineral-rich rock and the lifeforms that support it. The nodule is removed during a mining operation, causing a sediment disturbance known as a benthic plume. The film is a simulation over the course of millions of years, utilizing viscosity and disturbance data of plume formation for each mineral to highlight the disturbance to complex ecosystems.

In collaboration with researcher Rhiarna Dhaliwal.
Simulation, creative coding and sound design by Anabel Garcia-Kurland.
Exhibition photography by Felix Speller

Made with:
Unity, Ableton Live, Zephyr3D, Premiere Pro, After Effects, 3dsMax, Ableton Live