Visualization Collections

This collection of visualizations includes photos, animations, videos, maps and interactive imagery that can be integrated into lectures or classes. The collection is part of an extensive set originally created for the Teaching Geoscience with Visualizations workshop.


  • Farallon Plate - animations and images related to the Farallon Plate that has been subducted under the North American Plate and how it has affected the geology of North America.
  • Geodynamo - visualizations dealing with the generation of the Earth's magnetic field via dynamo action in the core of the planet.
  • Isostasy and Gravity (in Geophysics) - animations, interactive graphics, and static images used to illustrate the concept of isostasy and to show how measurement of gravity over mountain ranges provides evidence that mountains have deep roots.
  • Mantle Plumes and Convection - computer generated visualizations of thermochemical convection and how this physical process is likely being played out in the Earth's mantle.
  • Plate Tectonic Movements (in Geophysics) - visualizations and supporting material that can be used effectively to teach students about plate tectonic movements.