Earth System Science and Educational Technology: My Chronicle of Teaching at NMU: Plate tectonics Models and Foldables

http://www.ig.utexas.edu/research/projects/plates/

Plate tectonics is a powerful tool for reconstructing (i.e. "predicting") geological environments through geologic history, particularly if the underlying plate motion model is accurate and detailed. PLATES tools are especially useful to groups engaged in exploration for hydrocarbons or minerals on global and regional scales. PLATES reconstructions provide a solid framework on which to build detailed geological models, such as basin response to regional crustal motion, likely sequences of depositional paleo-environment, or probable geothermal consequences of plate position or movement.

PLATES maintains an up-to-date oceanic magnetic and tectonic database, continuously adding new paleomagnetic, hot spot, geological and geophysical data to extend the span and accuracy of global plate reconstructions. PLATES' reconstructions are built around a comprehensive database of finite-difference poles of rotation, derived both from extensive plate motion research at UTIG, using the PLATES interactive plate modeling software, and from published studies. Updated plate motion models are in turn applied to regional tectonic studies by PLATES investigators and collaborators and by project sponsors. The plate model developed by the PLATES Project describes the evolution of the earth's oceans and the movement of the earth's tectonic plates from the Late Precambrian through the present day