This downloadable, interactive computer model on earthquakes introduces students to technical aspects and exercises on faults, seismicity, epicenters, and the Earth's interior. Each of these sections includes informational material and interactive exercises. There is also a section on earthquake hazards and damage that includes statistics about earthquakes and pictures of destruction caused by historical ... Full description.

This interactive tool helps students grasp the difficult task of locating deep sea vents by allowing them to virtually "survey" a portion of the Juan de Fuca Ridge in the Pacific Ocean. Students begin by using a CTD (Conductivity - Temperature - Depth) package to take a number of initial water-temperature readings. They then focus on a 40-kilometer (24.8-mile) path, taking up to 55 temperature readings ... Full description.

This undergraduate meteorology tutorial focuses on the use of satellite imagery by forecasters. Different types of imagery are discussed, followed by training on the identification of particular types of weather systems. Full description.

This web site provides an introduction to geologic maps. Topics covered include what is a geologic map, unique features of geologic maps, letter symbols, faults, and strike and dip. Users may click to view colored geologic maps, the geologic map of the United States and the geologic relief map of the United States. Full description.

This website contains a set of lessons on how to identify igneous rocks using their textures, minerals, and physical properties. The student, working with rock samples and tools supplied by the teacher, will be able to identify some igneous rocks and will be given access to more information on the rocks. Links are available for learning about well-known volcano localities and to more general information. ... Full description.

This homework exercise, which was designed for an undergraduate level geology class at Tulane University, asks the student to make evaluations about the Loma Prieta Earthquake and other earthquakes using seismograms, time travel curves, maps and other information. Full description.

This collection of links provides access to a number of tutorials on Global Positioning Systems (GPS). These materials instruct users on the basics of the technology and some of its uses, such as surveying. There are also links to another portal site and to a search engine for access to additional information. Full description.

This activity uses logarithmic plotting to show the power of a straight line in mathematics, science, and engineering. Students will use the slopes of various curves plotted on log-log graph paper to classify stellar objects as binary stars, supernovae, or active galaxies. The data used in this lesson were obtained from X-ray astronomy satellites. It provides an opportunity for students to apply the ... Full description.

This applet uses graphs to demonstrate the effective temperature of planets. The graphs display temperature versus distance from the sun. The albedo, solar constant, and distance can be adjusted. There are marks at each of the locations of the solar system planets. The axes can be in linear or logarithmic form; the temperature can be displayed in Kelvin, Fahrenheit, or Celsius. Full description.

This site gives an in-depth look at the theory of plate tectonics and how it works. The structure of the Earth is discussed, with brief rock type descriptions. The structure of the lithosphere, plate boundaries, interplate relationships, and types of plates are all covered in detail. Full description.