Measuring devices above the water – a visual interpretation of Irina Engelhardt's research. The motif will be displayed on posters throughout Berlin as part of the BUA OPEN LAB campaign. | Artist: Liam Schnell
Dear Irina, congratulations on winning the BUA ideas competition in the field of climate and water. What motivated you to take part in the ideas competition?
The topic of water is very important to all of us, and we are convinced that people outside scientific circles also have a genuine interest in learning more about this precious resource. We thought it was great to have the opportunity to reach a wide audience through the Berlin University Alliance and the ideas competition and to tell people about our water resources.
What can be seen in the picture you created with artist Liam Schnell? Why did you choose this motif?
All of the measuring devices that have been combined to create this delightful creature are our little and big helpers in determining water quantities. All in all, that is the question for us—how much water is there?
With the hydrometric measuring wing, the body, we go into flowing waters and determine how much water is flowing through the water bed based on its rotation frequency. With the cable sounder, the tail, we go to groundwater measuring points and measure directly how high the groundwater level is. The level rod arms are used for above-ground water level measurements in rivers and lakes. And of course, there are the two water-filled vessels, the sample vessel and the round flask, to also determine the quality of the water.
The motif is essentially an all-round measuring system that beautifully visualizes how our field research is conducted.