A sonic exploration of moss ecology through FM synthesis
About this sonification: This piece translates Robin Wall Kimmerer's description of moss life into sound. The boundary layer - that thin zone of still air where mosses thrive - is represented through layered FM synthesis. Each moss voice uses frequency modulation to create organic, breathing tones that respond to their microenvironment.
Sound Design: Each moss type has its own FM synthesis voice with unique characteristics. Rock mosses are bright and crystalline, log mosses are warm and rich with enhanced CO₂ harmonics, and forest mosses are lush and complex. The boundary layer depth affects reverb and filtering, while moisture and wind influence the synthesis parameters and spatial positioning.