Contest Tasks

Welcome to the tasks page for the 2026 SciVis Contest.

To stand out, participants are encouraged to develop innovative visualization techniques that go beyond simple maps. Think creatively.

While completion of all tasks is not required, participants are encouraged to tackle at least one or more of Tasks 1-3 alongside interactive tool development to create a competitive submission. Task 0 is foundational exploration to get familiar with the dataset. That said, you do not need to strictly adhere to the defined tasks. If your visualizations are complex and innovative while leveraging the provided datasets, you are encouraged to pursue your own creative direction.

Task 0: Exploring Climate Change with NEX GDDP CMIP6 Data

Overview

Visualize how air temperature changes over time from 2015 to 2100 using NEX GDDP CMIP6 data, exploring patterns and variations across different regions.

Dataset

NEX GDDP CMIP6 Data

Instructions

Create visualizations showing air temperature changes over time.
Explore how humidity varies across different regions globally.

Variables

Air temperature, humidity

Dashboard Example

Check out the dashboard for more details: Dashboard

Task 1: Visualizing Wind Patterns in the Atmosphere (DYAMOND GEOS Data)

Overview

Visualize global atmospheric wind patterns using eastward (U) and northward (V) wind velocities to understand atmospheric circulation at different levels.

Dataset

DYAMOND GEOS Data

Instructions

Create dynamic visualizations of atmospheric circulations using the U (eastward wind) and V (northward wind) variables. Add other relevant variables as appropriate. Check out the Data tab for more available variables.

Variables

U (eastward wind), V (northward wind), W (vertical velocity)

Task 2: Coupled Atmosphere-Ocean Systems

Overview

Visualize the interactions between atmospheric dynamics and ocean conditions, focusing on wind patterns, temperature, and currents.

Dataset

NASA DYAMOND Data

Instructions

Use atmospheric variables (U, V, P, T) and ocean variables (Theta, u, v, salt) to visualize interactions between atmosphere and ocean. These variables are mentioned for reference only; feel free to use any other variables as appropriate.

Variables

Atmospheric Data: U (eastward wind), V (northward wind), P (mid-level pressure), T (air temperature)
Ocean Data: Theta (sea-surface temperature), u, v (east-west and north-south velocities), salt (salinity)

Dashboard Example

Sample use case: Use case

Task 3: 3D Ocean Circulation Patterns with Depth

Overview

Visualize the complex 3D structure of thermohaline circulation by mapping ocean temperature and salinity together.

Dataset

ECCO LLC4320 Dataset

Instructions

Use W, theta (temperature), and salinity variables to visualize 3D ocean circulation patterns.
Highlight major circulation systems, such as thermohaline circulation.

Variables

theta (temperature), salinity

</div>