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This Dynamic Earth: The Story of Plate Tectonics DLESE Reviewed Collection
http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/dynamic.html
From USGS Education Collection
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This site offers the online version of a book published by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It is intended to provide a brief introduction to the concept of plate tectonics, highlighting some of the people and discoveries that advanced the development of the theory. It is the companion volume to the map, 'This Dynamic Planet', which shows the locations of major volcanic belts, fault systems, and other tectonic features. Topics include a history of the theory; scientific developments that spurred its development; the mechanics of plate motions; and the relationship of hotspots to plate tectonic theory. There is also an overview of unanswered questions regarding plate tectonics and a discussion of impacts of tectonic activity (earthquakes and volcanoes) on human populations. A downloadable, printable version (PDF) of the book is available, and hardcopies can be purchased.
Intended for grade levels:
  • Middle (6-8)
  • High (9-12)
  • College (13-14)
Type of resource:
  • Text:
    • Book
Subject:
  • Geographical Sciences:
    • Physical geography
  • Geological Sciences:
    • Geologic time
    • Geology
    • Geophysics
    • Structural geology
  • Natural hazards
Technical requirements:
Downloadable, printable version requires Adobe Acrobat reader
Cost / Copyright:
No cost
Information presented on this website is considered public information (unless otherwise noted) and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credit is requested. We strongly recommend that USGS data be acquired directly from a USGS server and not through other sources that may change the data in some way. While USGS makes every effort to provide accurate and complete information, various data such as names, telephone numbers, etc. may change prior to updating. USGS welcomes suggestions on how to improve our home page and correct errors. USGS provides no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of furnished data.
DLESE Catalog ID: USGS-ED-000-000-000-040
Educational standards:
  • National Science Education Standards (NSES):
    • 5-8:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Evidence, models, and explanation
      • D - Earth and space science:
        • Earth's history
        • Structure of the earth system
    • 9-12:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Evidence, models, and explanation
      • D - Earth and space science:
        • Energy in the earth system
        • Origin and evolution of the earth system
      • G - History and nature of science:
        • Nature of scientific knowledge
  • National Geography Standards:
    • Physical systems:
      • The physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth's surface
    • The uses of geography:
      • How to apply geography to interpret the past
    • The world in spatial terms:
      • How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information
Related resources:
This resource references 'This Dynamic Planet: World Map of Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Impact Craters, and Plate Tectonics'
http://www.minerals.si.edu/tdpmap/
Resource contact / Creator / Publisher:
Publisher: United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Publications Warehouse
http://infotrek.er.usgs.gov/pubs/

Contact: Joseph J. Kerski
Educational Resources
United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Contact: Phil Stoffer
Educational Resources
United States Geological Survey (USGS)