HEAR: Himalayan Experiments in Acoustic Research

H.E.A.R. is focused on “listening to glaciers and mountain communities” in the Himalayas. Through a number of site-based activities carried out at Drang Drung Glacier in the Zanskar region during September-October 2021, the project and its team members set out to measure, monitor, and record the material transformations of the glacier as well as engage with local mountain communities directly impacted by climate change and glacial recession. Alongside standard geophysical measurements, the research also sought to develop experimental methodologies for understanding climate change, in particular the use of acoustics sensing.

Scientific activities included the deployment of an underwater sensor (hydrophone) at the glacial lake, setting up both a GPS and meteorological weather station, as well as installing a series of bamboo stakes along a 15 km stretch into the ablation area of the glacier to measure annual changes in its mass balance.

Workshops brought local villagers to the glacier for sessions in “deep listening.” Lowering various hydrophones into its icy crevasses allowed us to tune into its subglacial streams, to hear the rushing of meltwater, and the underwater crackling of ice and popping air bubbles. For some, the glacier conjured the domesticated sound of boiling tea, for others the whir of a passing helicopter.

Realised by artist-researcher Susan Schuppli glaciologist Mohd. Farooq Azam, and community organiser Faiza Ahmad Khan Supported by a British Council COP26 Creative Commission, 2021