Promoting science through art via cartoons and fiber art

Numerical models and satellite images are used to simulate the ground surface temperature (GST), the temperature measured at around 5 cm into the ground. GST is important for understanding the climate change impacts on various environments and has utility for multiple geosciences and economic applications. To better explain this approach to youth a cartoon booklet was created. Therefore, the marmot Marv is telling the “Story of Ground Surface Temperature” through an animated story with captivating comic strips. Marv is explaining why GST is important, why GST is highly variable in time and space, and how can better tackle the impacts of climate change on soil temperature. The comic strips are available online on Academia: https://www.academia.bz.it/strips/the-story-of-the-ground-surface-temperature. In addition, a 3D fiber-art object was also created to promote science through art. The fiber art object represents a miniature 3D model of a glaciated alpine valley with different rope colors and textures for each land cover type. The model is accompanied by a hanging satellite also built from rope and by a flyer that explains this mingle of science and art. This object can be exposed in art galleries, tourist info centers, or during conferences, workshops, and science fairs. These communication materials, help to promote the scientific work to a broader audience.