METAMORPHOSIS
IN CONVERSATION WITH DR. MARTIN SCHNEEBELI
FB: Upon reaching the ground, snow enters a new stage of its lifecycle known as snow metamorphosis. Could you explain what occurs during this transformative process?
MS: Snow is constantly changing. Snow metamorphosis is comparable to what happens to rocks under very high temperatures. From a physical point of view, snow is in a high-temperature state. So the condition of snow on Earth is extremely close to the melting point. Additionally, ice exhibits high vapor pressure. This elevated vapor pressure, coupled with temperature gradients, drives water vapor to sublimate from the warmer side of a crystal to the colder side of another. Consequently, within the natural snowpack, there’s an ongoing cycle of sublimation and deposition of water vapor, reshaping the snow crystals and the entire snowpack structure over time.
FB: As the snow undergoes metamorphosis, its structural and visual properties begin to evolve. During this complex transformation, how are the snow’s characteristics fundamentally altered, and what implications do these changes have?
MS:The transformation is quite evident. Snow should be envisioned as a three-dimensional matrix. This metamorphosis alters the snow’s fine structure, transitioning from one with numerous delicate connections to a structure characterized by thicker links and larger voids, all while maintaining the same density. As a result, both the mechanical and physical attributes of the snow are significantly altered.
BLOCK 1,2,3
2021
Delving into the fluidity of snow, Block 1,2,3‘ reveals the fascinating process of metamorphosis. Just as snowcrystals embark on a transformative journey through the winter by evolving in shape, size, and structure, this installation captures the essence of their ever-changing beauty.
Each individual layer of the snow cover has a distinct thickness and properties, whish are mirrored in the bricks‘ varied shapes and sizes. Much like bricks form the foundation of buildings, every layer of snow is vital to the winter landscape’s architecture. This medium showcases the diversity and complexity of the winter snowpack, captured through the familiar form of bricks. As they are stacked and secured with a lashing strap, they symbolize the layered structure of snow, highlighting its dynamic nature and essential role in our environment. Reflecting the snow’s perpetual metamorphosis, Block 1,2,3‘ captures its diversity and fluidity, inviting us to see the complexity and beauty in each unique layer.
