Plate Tectonics Visual Glossary and Atlas 1.1

This application serves as a comprehensive glossary of terms and definitions pertaining to plate tectonics, enhanced with an array of visuals, including illustrations, animations, photographs, and videos. Utilizing a 3D globe equipped with surface maps that depict the Earth's geologic features, users can access terms that directly relate to phenomena resulting from the motion of tectonic plates. The interface allows for both a searchable list of terms and direct navigation to specific locations on the globe via clickable icons.

The visual experience offered by the app promotes an exploratory approach to understanding the Earth's surface. Users can observe how variations in plate boundaries lead to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain formation. Furthermore, alternative surface maps offer insights into the sizes and shapes of major tectonic plates or illustrate the age of the ocean floor. The functionality includes adjustable overlays for plate boundaries, map labels, geographic term icons, and coordinate grids. An additional overlay presents significant earthquake events since 1900, providing a graphic representation of activity along plate boundaries or allowing for a complete exploration of the Earth's surface without any overlays.

• Surface maps depict Earth's physiographic features, plate configurations, or oceanic lithosphere ages.
• Overlays include plate boundaries, map labels, geographic terms, a latitude/longitude grid, and major earthquakes since 1900.
• Approximately 240 terms and geographic locations are included, each accompanied by definitions and descriptions.
• Most definitions feature supportive illustrations, animations, or photographs.
• Locations provide descriptive content as users spin the globe to locate them on Earth.
• Definitions link to related terms for enhanced learning.
• User interface is simple and intuitive: supports drag, pinch, and tap actions.
• This is a universal app optimized for large screens, accommodating all screen sizes and orientations.
• Features side-by-side split-view capability.
• No internet connection is required for use.

The application aligns with Next Generation Science Standards for Earth Science, covering:

• ESS2.A: Earth Materials and Systems
• ESS2.B: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions
• ESS3.B: Natural Hazards
• ESS1.C: The History of Planet Earth

This resource supports inquiry-based learning regarding plate tectonics by illustrating the connection between surface features and tectonic movement. Its definitions assist students in articulating ideas about the interaction of Earth's tectonic plates, earthquakes, and volcanic activities while promoting higher-order thinking skills through the analysis of data on historical earthquakes, ocean ages, and volcanic locations. This analytical approach enhances the formulation and testing of theories regarding geological processes.