Cataracta

Visualizing the Unseen Tide of Ocean Plastics

By Dan McCarey

In an initiative to shed light on the alarming issue of ocean plastics, National Geographic and Sky Ocean Ventures teamed up to create the Ocean Plastic Innovation Challenge.

Each of the top ten polluting rivers was represented as a dynamic column, containing a particle system that illustrated the 24-hour flow of microplastics.

My contribution, a visualization called Cataracta — Latin for waterfall — was crafted to represent the flow of microplastics into the world's oceans through the 10 most polluting rivers.

This project aimed not just to inform but to create a visual narrative of the ongoing environmental crisis, making the invisible visible. The central premise of Cataracta was to visualize the continuous flow of microplastics, a form of pollution often unseen but with devastating impacts on ocean health.

Each of the top ten polluting rivers was represented as a dynamic column, containing a particle system that illustrated the 24-hour flow of microplastics. This continuous visualization powerfully demonstrated the weight of microplastics being emptied into the ocean from each river at any given time of day.

A unique feature of Cataracta was the incorporation of real-time lighting conditions for each river, reflecting whether it was day or night in the river's respective timezone. This aspect added a layer of immediacy and realism to the visualization, connecting viewers to the ongoing reality of these rivers' contributions to ocean pollution.

Cataracta was chosen as one of six finalists in the Ocean Plastic Challenge, a testament to its innovative approach and impact in conveying a critical environmental issue. The visualization served as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for action against the continuous flow of plastics into our oceans.

Working on Cataracta was a rewarding experience, underscoring the vital role of visual storytelling in environmental advocacy. The project brought to light the immense scale of microplastic pollution and the need for global awareness and action. It was an opportunity to combine data visualization with a compelling narrative to inspire change.

My gratitude goes to National Geographic and Sky Ocean Ventures for the opportunity to contribute to this significant project, and to all the individuals and teams involved in bringing this pressing issue to the forefront.