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Thursday, January 8, 2009

Artwork to serve climatic change

Scientists discovered that "Artwork can tell environmental story". This discovery may have an impact on the understanding of climatic change. In fact, they think that the impact of climate change on Earth can be measured through works of art like paintings and watercolours. To give an example, they say that engineers and coastline managers could use artwork to better understand the threat of rising sea levels.Protective structures of stone or concrete like breakwaters and seawalls as well as groynes (rigid hydraulic structures constructed from ocean shores or from banks in rivers that interrupt water flow and restrict sediment movement) have been used over the years to keep seawater back and protect coastal towns and resorts.

What these protective measures have succeeded in doing, however, is exacerbate the problem by moving down the coastlines. Insight into long-term effects of coastal defences could however be gained from various works of art.

Dr Robin McInnes of the Coastal and Geotechnical Services in the UK decided to combine geography and art to test his theory that people could learn about coastal evolution over the centuries by examining paintings, prints, engravings and drawings.

Dr McInnes and his fellow University of Portsmouth researchers examined the works of 400 artists who used the coastal scenes on the Isle of Wight and the mainland coast from Hurst Spit to Selsey Bill between 1770 and 1920. The researchers compiled a list of names of the artists who could be considered reliable witnesses, and they also set up a ranking system for those remaining. According to them, 22 artists whose works could be trusted as a fair and accurate depiction of the coastline remained.

Dr Potts explained that erosion can be monitored and beaches can be measured using artwork. The research team has developed a model that could help people determine what measures should be taken when threats to the coastlines emerge.

Source  Research Information Centre

More information  Research Information Centre

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