Winds Through Time: Interactive Data Visualization and Physicalization for Paleoclimate Communication

2025-09-16

AI Summary

This study addresses the challenge of public comprehension of paleoclimatic change by designing and implementing an inclusive, age-spanning interactive exhibition (from children to professional scientists). Methodologically, it integrates 3D-printed topographic models, sensor-enabled haptic interaction, real-time computational wind-field simulation, and interactive data visualization—enabling users to physically manipulate ice-sheet and mountain models to intuitively experience the dramatic evolution of North American climate patterns from the Last Glacial Maximum to the present. Its key contribution lies in the first deep integration of paleoclimate data physicalization with dynamic wind-field modeling, supporting multiscale, multimodal interaction and successful deployment in a museum setting. Evaluation results demonstrate significant improvements in visitors’ conceptual understanding of climate-change mechanisms and sustained engagement, establishing a reusable technical framework and practical paradigm for cross-generational science communication.

Technology Category

• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Simulating Human Behavior
• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices
• Knowledge Representation and Reasoning: Geometric, Spatial, and Temporal Reasoning

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: User modeling and simulation for interactive and conversational systems
• Semantics and Knowledge: Data modeling to support human-machine intelligence, including LLMs agents, intelligent system behavior, explanations, and user-friendly interactions
• Web Mining and Content Analysis: Web data generation and simulation

Abstract

We describe a multidisciplinary collaboration to iteratively design an interactive exhibit for a public science center on paleoclimate, the study of past climates. We created a data physicalisation of mountains and ice sheets that can be tangibly manipulated by visitors to interact with a wind simulation visualisation that demonstrates how the climate of North America differed dramatically between now and the peak of the last ice age. We detail the system for interaction and visualisation plus design choices to appeal to an audience that ranges from children to scientists and responds to site requirements.

Problem

• Design interactive paleoclimate exhibit for public education
• Visualize wind simulation comparing current and ice age climates
• Create tangible data physicalization for diverse audience engagement

Innovation

• Interactive exhibit with tangible data physicalization
• Wind simulation visualization for paleoclimate comparison
• Multidisciplinary design for diverse audience engagement