Plate Tectonics Lab

Plate Tectonics Simulation – Plate Motion & Boundaries

Plate tectonics is the grand unifying theory of earth science, explaining how Earth's lithosphere is broken into rigid plates that move atop the plastic asthenosphere. This simulation focuses on the geometry and consequences of plate interactions—subduction at convergent boundaries, new crust creation at mid-ocean ridges, and lateral motion along transform faults. Watch orogens rise, ocean basins open, and continents drift over geological time.

What you can do in this simulation

• Set relative plate velocities and boundary type to observe subduction, obduction, or rifting in cross-section
• Watch seafloor spreading generate magnetic striping symmetrically about a mid-ocean ridge
• Simulate continent-continent collision to build a mountain belt and observe crustal thickening and isostasy
• Trace hot-spot tracks across a moving plate to infer past plate motion direction and speed
• Reconstruct Pangaea breakup and follow continental positions through geological time using paleogeographic controls

Concepts covered

lithosphere and asthenosphere · subduction · seafloor spreading · convergent and divergent boundaries · continental drift · isostasy

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