Envision science animation: Impact of sea level rise on atmospheric CO2 concentrations during glacial-deglacial periods

We worked with the environmental scientist, Katie Sieradzan, to communicate her research into the impact of sea level rise on atmospheric CO2 concentrations during glacial-deglacial periods

Over the last 800,000 years, the earth has experienced cycles in climate between glacial periods and interglacials. Katie's research investigates how atmospheric CO2, temperature and sea level are linked together through these cycles, and what impact this can have on our oceans.

With the growing concerns around human caused climate change and rising sea levels, this is an extremely relevant topic as it can be used to predict how variations in atmospheric CO2 will affect oceans in the future.

This is one of the six animations we created for Envision PhD researchers in 2021. In autumn 2020 Envision ran a competition where candidates submitted a brief for an animated film. The winners were selected by a judging panel and the prize was to have an animation produced about their research work.

Process

Script

We collaborated with Katie to write a 2 minute script for the animation based on the competition entry that explained her research and pitched the storyline concept. 

Style design 

Style design
A style frame was designed to give an idea of how the final animation would look. 
The style designs were created using Adobe Illustrator. 

Sketched Storyboards and Animatic Video 

A storyboard was sketched out based on the script. The storyboard images were then put into a video sequence with a draft voiceover recording so we could test the timings and ensure the script and images made sense when played together.
At this point we made some script and image revisions before moving to the next stage. 

Illustration of Animation Assets

Storyboard illustrations
Once the sketched storyboards were signed off, the storyboards were illustrated in the style design. 
The illustrations were created using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe After Effects to compose scenes. 
Some revisions were made before moving onto the next production phase. 

Animation 

Animation_after_effects_Envision science animation
The animation phase started by preparing all the illustrations for animation. This involved separating artwork out onto layers and naming them.
Some illustration files were imported into Adobe After Effects then animated. 
A professional voice over artist recorded the script then the audio track was mixed and edited so it could be animated in time to.  

Results

Katie is using her animated video to successfully explain and engage people in her research. She is also using it in schools to encourage young people to pursue careers in science. 
The animation was released publicly on the Envision website and Twitter and received positive feedback and engagement from peers in the science community and members of the public.

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