Virtual carbon tree illustrates carbon sequestration

In June and July, the Think Corner of the University of Helsinki will house an interactive carbon tree. Visitors can experiment with how changes in the amount of light, the temperature, and the atmospheric CO2 content affect the tree’s carbon sequestration capacity. Visitors can adjust the living conditions of the tree using, for example, their breath or the warmth of their hand to influence the sensors.

The inspirational forebear of the carbon tree installation is a real tree growing in Juupajoki at the Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station. Its calculated carbon sequestration capacity has been monitored online for three years. Users have been able to select either the present conditions, sample conditions from different seasons or, as at the Think Corner, determine the conditions themselves.

In many ways, the carbon tree installation at the Think Corner is an updated version of the first carbon tree. This is the first time that it has been made wholly independent and taken outside the net. This makes it easier to use at different events, states project leader Eija Juurola from the Department of Forest Sciences at the University of Helsinki.

Growing the new carbon tree offline has taken a little less than a year. Artist Terike Haapoja, who designed the concept for the carbon flow animation, is very satisfied with the virtual tree’s new phase of life. The tree is much more dynamic than before. The carbon particles have been animated to make the tree appear three-dimensional and as if swaying in the wind. The installation also includes a soundscape reminiscent of the whisper of a forest that changes with the conditions. In future, the new carbon tree installation and the upcoming related website will be used in teaching.

Source: University of Helsinki

Return to Newsletter

Share |