Tectonic Simulation Process and Observations

This video tutorial guides users through the Concord Consortium Tectonic Explorer, focusing on understanding plate tectonics. It covers initial setup, drawing and rotating continents, setting force vectors, and creating cross sections. The tutorial also includes observing plate movements and features, with instructions for capturing screen images. The goal is to help users explore and understand how plate tectonics work through interactive simulations.

What is the first step when starting the Tectonic Explorer simulation?

• Set force vectors

• Draw continents

• Read through the directions

• Capture a screenshot

What does the pink line represent in the simulation?

• A fault or divide between two plates

• A mountain range

• A coastline

• A river

What is the purpose of drawing force vectors in the simulation?

• To erase existing continents

• To capture a screenshot

• To determine the direction of plate movement

• To create new continents

What happens when you hit 'finish' after setting up the force vectors?

• The simulation resets

• The plates start moving

• The continents disappear

• A new fault line is created

What should you do after drawing a cross-section?

• Rotate the view to examine it

• Draw another continent

• Erase the cross-section

• Set new force vectors

What is the significance of the color-coded key in the simulation?

• It marks the fault lines

• It provides elevation information

• It indicates the density of the plates

• It shows the age of the continents

What can you observe by rotating the cross-section?

• The speed of the simulation

• The color of the ocean

• The movement of the plates

• The geological features and elevation

What is the final step in the simulation process?

• Reset the simulation

• Erase all features

• Capture a screenshot

• Draw more continents

Which key combination is used to capture a screenshot in Windows?

• Ctrl + Shift + Tile

• Ctrl + P

• Ctrl + Alt + Del

• Ctrl + Shift + S

What is the main educational goal of using the Tectonic Explorer?

• To measure the Earth's temperature

• To learn about ocean currents

• To understand plate tectonics

• To design new continents