In signal processing, coherence is a metric used to measure a relationship between two signals1 and can indicate similarity or causality. For example, we can get a measure how similar two voices are to one another, or whether ocean tides affect groundwater levels at a coastal farm. Coherence can also mean making sense (a coherent argument) and/or a complementary coming together of (coherent efforts).
In radar data collected from Thwaites Glacier, we compare two signals to each other to estimate the strength and orientation of the ice fabric2. The more similar they are, the weaker the fabric. The more different they are, the stronger the fabric.
While processing the coherence of these radar data, Elizabeth generated looping plots. Tyler composed choreographies inspired by them, and repeated the choreography multiple times. Elizabeth then analysed each still using an edge detection algorithm. Ultimately, these will be used to measure the “coherence” of Tyler’s repeated performances. We anticipate these will be performed repeatedly, that more choreographies will be produced, and that the subsequent performances will involve multiple dancers moving (in)coherently, as well as open workshops for public participants. For each of these, the signal processing will be performed in real time.
In radar data collected from Thwaites Glacier, we compare two signals to each other to estimate the strength and orientation of the ice fabric2. The more similar they are, the weaker the fabric. The more different they are, the stronger the fabric.
While processing the coherence of these radar data, Elizabeth generated looping plots. Tyler composed choreographies inspired by them, and repeated the choreography multiple times. Elizabeth then analysed each still using an edge detection algorithm. Ultimately, these will be used to measure the “coherence” of Tyler’s repeated performances. We anticipate these will be performed repeatedly, that more choreographies will be produced, and that the subsequent performances will involve multiple dancers moving (in)coherently, as well as open workshops for public participants. For each of these, the signal processing will be performed in real time.
[1] a signal is, generally, a function that conveys information about a phenomena. It can be a waveform, like a soundfile of a song, or measurements of the tide over the summer.
[2] ice fabric: glacial ice is made of lots of ice crystals shaped a bit like a hexagonal cylinder. the orientation of these ice crystals affects how fast ice flows, and also the speed at which electromagnetic waves travel through ice.