130 D8. Distance Learning and Computer-based Educational Techniques in the Geosciences

Wednesday, 28 October 2020
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Meeting Rooms

DECONSTRUCTING TECTONICS

Paper number: 130-16
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 4:50 PM – 5:00 PM

Authors

Abstract

The configuration of continents and oceans of our tectonically-active planet is ever-changing. We created computer-generated animations that dynamically illustrate key elements of plate tectonics. A new large baseset of paleogeographic maps, based on decades of plate tectonics and paleogeographic research, is used to produce animations on a paleoglobe illustrating: Continental Rifting, Continental Breakup, Ocean Ridges and Fracture Zones, Hotspot Tracks, Arc-Backarc Systems, Continental Collision, Terrane Accretion, Opening-Closing of Ocean Basins, Supercontinent Formation, Plate Velocities, and Future Earth. Each animation is supported by a narrative that offers a topical overview, some observations to guide a user’s exploration, and key references. An enhanced Google Earth Web module, GeoExplorations: Deconstructing Tectonics, allows users to view and manipulate paleogeographic maps as 3D paleoglobes (at https://bit.ly/2WQV4BL). The animations and GeoExplorations module are free for educational use.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 52, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2020AM-352377

© Copyright 2020 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.