Plate Tectonics

The continuous movement of plates on the asthenosphere makes their boundaries the most active zone between plates. According to the relative motion between plates, plate boundaries can be divided into three types. The viewer will operate the interactive turntable to trigger the plate device to simulate the movement of the plate under different forces. Rotate the turntable to understand the interactions between the plates. Transitional plate boundary: Two plate boundaries are horizontally displaced from each other. This boundary will trigger frequent seismic activity, but its shaping effect on the terrain is relatively small. Discrete plate boundary: Two plates separate from each other and move in opposite directions. Magma surges up to the surface along the edges, forming new crust. Convergent plate boundary: Two plates move relative to each other and collide head-on. This type will form new trenches or mountains.

The unit is designed for unsupervised public use: controls are recessed or shielded, moving parts are enclosed, and the interface is operable by a child of about six with no instruction. Where a screen is used, the language can be switched without changing the hardware, and the content can be replaced on site.