Educational Model: Plate Tectonics

Part of the IUMC (Innovative Educational and Methodological Complex) “Ecology: Constructing the Biosphere,” developed in 2008 by D. A. Shabanov, A. G. Kozlenko, and M. A. Kravchenko by order of the NTFP (National Training Foundation) of the Russian Federation (more about this project is in the article “Innovation and Reality”; the reasons why this complex is not used are briefly described in the column “Textbooks: Straight into the Day After Tomorrow”). This model is posted here for educational use. The model demonstrates the main patterns of processes in Earth’s crust and upper mantle. The theoretical material related to the model is presented in the section Sources of Energy for Biogeochemical Cycles in the manual “Ecology: Biology of Interactions.” Instructions for working with the model are located at the very bottom of its window; if these instructions do not fit in the small window, they can be scrolled up and down using the arrows on the right. The image in the working area of the screen shows part of Earth’s surface. The area over which the cursor is placed is highlighted, showing the name of the displayed object. Clicking this area with the mouse displays in the reference zone a description of the selected object and the processes occurring in it. Consequences of plate tectonics are shown in the model “Movement of Continents.” Some tasks that can be solved while working with the model: 1. Determine which mechanisms ensure lithospheric-plate movement. 2. Determine as a result of which processes mantle material rises to the surface. What happens to the material of plates that sink deeper into the mantle? 3. How are the processes shown in the model related to the global cycling of matter on the planet?