The Enchanting Symphony of Singing Sands
What is Singing Sand?
Singing sand is a rare phenomenon that occurs in certain deserts around the world. When sand grains of a specific size and composition are disturbed, they create eerie musical tones that range from soft whispers to booming thunder.
The Science Behind the Song
The singing of sand is caused by the vibrations of sand grains as they avalanche down the slopes of dunes. As the grains slide past each other, they produce a whistling sound. The pitch and volume of the sound depend on the size, shape, and composition of the grains.
Lotte Geeven’s Singing Sand Symphony
Amsterdam-based artist Lotte Geeven is creating a unique artwork that will bring the sounds of singing deserts to a wider audience. She is collecting acoustic sand from around the world and using it to create a “sand machine” that will replicate the eerie desert tones.
Crowdsourcing the Sand
Geeven is crowdsourcing the sand for her project. She is reaching out to people who live near singing dunes and asking them to send her samples. The sand-finders will have their names included in the installation, which will be shown next spring in the Netherlands.
The Singing Dunes of the World
There are around 35 known places in the world where singing sand can be heard regularly. Some of the most famous singing dunes include:
- The Singing Dune in the Gobi Desert, China
- The Sandhills of Nebraska, USA
- The White Sands of New Mexico, USA
- The Sahara Desert, North Africa
- The Mojave Desert, USA
Traditional Stories of Singing Dunes
Many cultures have their own traditional stories about what makes the dunes sing. Some believe that the dunes are inhabited by spirits or demons, while others believe that the sound is caused by the wind or the movement of the sand itself.
The Physics of Singing Sands
Two physicists, Pascal Hersen and Stéphane Douady, have dedicated themselves to studying the singing sands. Douady refers to his field of research as “poetic physical science.” They have discovered that the size, shape, and composition of the sand grains are crucial for producing the singing effect.
Creating a Singing Sand Machine
Geeven worked with Hersen and Douady to develop her sand machine. The machine consists of containers with revolving blades that spin the sand and replicate the eerie desert tones.
The Installation
Geeven’s sand symphony will be shown next spring in the Netherlands. The installation will include the sand machine, as well as information about the singing dunes and the sand-finders who contributed to the project.
Conclusion
Lotte Geeven’s singing sand symphony is a unique and innovative artwork that will bring the beauty and mystery of the singing deserts to a wider audience. The project also highlights the importance of collaboration between artists and scientists in creating new and exciting experiences.
