This interactive site uses illustrations and photographs along with text to explain the movement of tectonic plates and the result of this movement on the surface of the Earth. There is a detailed discussion of the movement at each of the four types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent, transform, and plate boundary zones. Both lateral and vertical movements are depicted by maps and diagrams ... Full description.

This teacher's guide and activity uses a paper model to teach students about sea-floor spreading and the evolution of oceanic crust. It includes background information for teachers about plate boundaries, ocean floor features, and Earth's magnetic field, as well as procedures, materials needed, and discussion questions. Full description.

This unit introduces students to the development of the theory of continental drift. They will examine the early work of Alfred Wegener and Alexander DuToit, investigate lines of evidence that resulted in the development of the theory, and learn about the final lines of evidence that resulted in the theory's acceptance. There is a set of activities in which the students construct a map of Pangea using ... Full description.

This Classroom Connectors lesson plan discusses the structure and constant changing of the ocean floor. Students learn about sedimentation, continental drift, major structures on the ocean floor, and life forms at each level of the ocean. The site provides goals, objectives, an outline, time required, materials, activities, and closure ideas for the lesson. The Classroom Connectors address content ... Full description.

This background information on Alfred Wegener discusses his idea of continental drift. It explains how he came to the conclusion that the continents split apart as outlined in his 1915 book The Origin of Continents and Oceans. The site also provides information about his death in 1930 only a year after the final revision of his book. Full description.

Land Masses of the Earth is a lesson plan on the theory of plate tectonics and how major land masses of the earth have moved over geologic time. Topics include the theory of continental drift of Alfred Wegener, the supercontinent Pangaea, matching rocks and fossils found on different continents, and the distribution of plant and animal species. The lesson plan provides objectives, skills, time required, ... Full description.

This is an on-line article from the PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) Savage Earth Series. The article discusses plate tectonics with a focus on mantle convection, plate boundaries, hot spots, and the structure of the Earth. The article is illustrated and contains links to Shockwave animations. Each sidebar provides a summary of the respective topic and some supporting illustrations. Full description.

This summary for the year 2003 tropical weather season states that in only six of the past one hundred and eighteen seasons have there been as many tropical cyclones and that eight of them had some effect on the United States. Tropical storms cited are Ana, Grace, and Henri and hurricanes include Claudette, Erika, Fabian and Isabel. Outside of the U.S., Claudette, Larry, and Erika hit Mexico and tropical ... Full description.

This beginning geophysics course is designed for geology majors. It provides a relatively rigorous and homework-intensive overview of the structure and evolution of the Earth and terrestrial planets, at a level higher than a descriptive geology class, but lower than the standard introduction to geophysics for seniors or first year graduate students. Demonstrations are presented with links to a variety ... Full description.

This is one of a series of six lectures covering earthquakes and related topics in seismology. They are part of the course, Geology 101 (Physical Geology). The page includes short descriptions and illustrations of key concepts. Full description.