With support from the Julia R. Brown Fund, MAS Marine Biodiversity and Conservation student Amber Parron traveled to Iceberg Alley in Newfoundland, Canada, to capture original photos and video for Drifting Giants, the multimedia StoryMap she created for her capstone project. Through this work, Amber explores how icebergs reveal the interconnectedness of the global ocean and helps make complex oceanographic concepts more accessible to broader audiences. The experience strengthened her commitment to a future in marine and climate science communication.
My research took me to Iceberg Alley in Newfoundland, Canada, to capture original media, video footage and photographs of icebergs to be used on Drifting Giants, a multimedia StoryMap that I created for my capstone project. The icebergs are the main character in a story of connection and climate change.
The goal of my project is twofold. First, the goal is to highlight the interconnectedness of our oceans and the impact that climate change has, not solely in one area, but on the entire global ocean system. Second, the goal is to make oceanographic concepts approachable to audiences who may have little or no knowledge about the inner workings of our oceans. The photographs and video footage I captured during my time in Newfoundland are the visual foundation of Drifting Giants, and they accompany the informational text.
As I began my research into the function of icebergs in our ocean system and how climate change impacts them, I quickly realized that I could not tell their story without experiencing them firsthand. While in Newfoundland I discovered that no amount of reading or photographs will truly capture the immense presence of icebergs. Their color, with hues ranging from bright white to pale blue to deep greens, and the variation in their shape and size all struck me and deepened my appreciation for the significant role icebergs play in our oceans.
The trip itself was a very unique experience. I saw so many things that I had never seen before: caribou, moose, and the icebergs themselves. And while Newfoundland felt wild and far away, the people were warm and welcoming to me.
Drifting Giants is the first step towards pivoting my career to marine and climate science communication. My hope is to continue to grow this project into an interactive educational experience that will be shown at aquariums, museums, and other educational venues.
I am deeply grateful for the support of the Julia R. Brown Fund, without whose support the trip to Iceberg Alley would not have been possible.
Drifting Giants can be viewed at the link here.
Blog content and images provided by Amber Parron – thank you!