Our principle understandings of continental drift and plate tectonics arise from study of the ocean floors and their intricate bathymetric patterns. In this workshop participants will construct a model out of cardboard, cloth, and clips that explains how those patterns were formed and the unexpected, powerful implications of their geometries. This brings sense and logic to the 2/3 of the world map that is under water and empowers the viewer to (mentally) reconstruct the continents.
About Tanya Atwater
Dr. Atwater's research has concerned many aspects of tectonics, ranging from the fine details of sea floor spreading to global implications of plate tectonics. She is especially well known for her research on the plate tectonic history of the San Andreas fault and western North America. She has received many honors (including an Emmy!). She was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1997.
Dr. Atwater's research has concerned many aspects of tectonics, ranging from the fine details of sea floor spreading to global implications of plate tectonics. She is especially well known for her research on the plate tectonic history of the San Andreas fault and western North America. She has received many honors (including an Emmy!). She was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1997.