AR dinosaur app uncovers ancient geology for community event
Fossils highlight the strengths of geological disposal for safe nuclear waste storage
Commissioned by a national environmental organisation, Zubr created an AR app to explain how nuclear waste storage solutions will be constructed in rock that has been stable for millions of years – even before the time of the dinosaurs. Our developers created an AR app featuring prehistoric marine reptiles and interactive geological science. The app was a central feature of an immersive community event, drawing in hundreds of local attendees and sparking conversations about the science behind safe nuclear waste storage.
Partners
Our partners on this project are part of a national environmental organisation, delivering long-term disposal solutions to permanently and safely isolate the nation’s most hazardous radioactive waste. By storing it deep underground in geologically stable rock, these solutions remove the burden of keeping waste safe above ground for thousands of years.
This organisation approached Zubr to create an engaging and accessible way of explaining the science behind safe nuclear waste disposal to local communities. Zubr provided an immersive solution: an AR app that brings prehistoric marine reptiles to life as an intriguing gauge for the stability of geological formations.
Ancient creatures in modern AR
Zubr designed and developed an augmented reality app that brings two iconic marine reptiles – the Ichthyosaurus and Plesiosaurus – back to life. Visitors could interact with the 3D creatures: rotate and zoom in to explore fascinating anatomical details; scale them to appear life-sized; and access fact panels about their age, diet, and environment. By surrounding these prehistoric reconstructions with the geological narrative of rock stability, the app connected users with the science behind long-term nuclear waste solutions.
To add expert context, the experience also featured embedded video content from a leading nuclear scientist. In his commentary, the professor explained how disposal facilities work and why geology is key to their long-term safety.
On the technical side, the app was optimised for smooth performance across event iPads and mobile devices. To heighten immersion, Zubr’s developers created a custom shader that refracted the AR environment through the camera feed, to create the illusion of looking through the water’s surface. This visual layer, combined with a gradual fading fog effect, evoked a striking underwater atmosphere.
Dinosaurs as timekeepers of geology
The immersive experience used fossils as a way of making the geological timeline relatable. For example, Ichthyosaurs first appeared around 251 million years ago – showing that the rocks in question have been stable since before dinosaurs even roamed the land. Plesiosaurs lived until around 66 million years ago, demonstrating just how vast these timescales are.
By linking prehistoric creatures with geological stability, the app helped our partners explain that the rock formations being considered for nuclear waste disposal have remained unchanged for millions upon millions of years – long enough to contain hazardous waste safely until it no longer poses any risk.
The immersive event gave the community the chance to explore these ideas, learn about potential nuclear waste solutions, and understand how it could affect them in the future. By visualising creatures and environments that are normally invisible, AR allowed community members to engage with the geological science that might affect them in an intuitive way.
Immersive science, lasting impact
Over 500 people attended the immersive event, where the AR dinosaurs became a talking point for community members exploring the science of safe waste storage. Attendees left with a clearer understanding of how nuclear waste can be safely stored underground, supported by world-class science and engineering.
The project demonstrates the power of AR to simplify complex ideas, connect communities with otherwise invisible science, and spark curiosity about subjects that might otherwise feel distant or inaccessible.
By blending 3D animation, scientific storytelling, and immersive technology, Zubr helped demonstrate that the rocks beneath our feet are not only ancient, but also a potential foundation for safeguarding our environment for generations to come.
For a different AR app focused on climate, check out our project with Climate Vision.
