Boundary Layer Project
Mount Washington Observatory
2016

Artist Shandra McLane and myself teamed up with Eric Kesley, Director of Research at Mount Washington Observatory, and his research team to observe their work on water vapor isotopes as an indicator of boundary layer exposure on Mount Washington in New Hampshire with the goal of better understanding their scientific research and then creating a visual art piece about the science.

After meetings, observations, and art studio sessions, we created a singular piece that consists of a historical topographical map of the summit of Mount Washington and the Observatory's facilities, acrylic panel with a drawn example of how the boundary layer moves throughout the day, and a digital video projection of clouds moving throughout the Mount Washington valley, the summit, and the atmosphere. The work was exhibited at the Forecasting: Climate Change and Water Impact exhibition at the Museum of the White Mountains in Spring 2017.

In addition to the project work, Ian Halter created a video piece, “The Boundary of Art and Science” that showcases the collaboration between artists and scientists.  The video was also exhibited at the Museum of the White Mountains during the Forecasting exhibit.