Convection, subduction, confusion

February 17, 2011 8:56 AM

How can I visualize geological phenomenons?

I signed up late for a geology class I'm required to take and it's only available online. While my teacher has made powerpoints and audio lectures available, I'm still not grasping many of the basic concepts (I don't have a strong scientific background). I've searched iTunes U, MIT OpenCourse, etc. but so far I haven't found anything that's been very thorough that includes satisfactory representation visual of geological phenomena. Are there any collections of videos or documentaries that could help me visualize plate tectonics, weathering, etc? The more detailed and extensive the better.

Thanks!

posted by Echobelly to Science & Nature (5 answers total)

I recently saw a Nova episode called "Deadliest Earthquakes" which has some animations that show plate tectonics in a pretty understandable way.

The episode is available online at PBS's new video website.
posted by see_change at 9:08 AM on February 17, 2011

The USGS has a visual dictionary/glossary.
posted by rtha at 9:19 AM on February 17, 2011

I haven't watched them yet, but I've heard good things about How the Earth Was Made. Aside from that, is there anyway you could get someone to tutor you? Could you start a study group?
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 9:52 AM on February 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I always give my intro students the link to webgeology, a site that contains lots of mini-movies and animations explaining geological concepts.
posted by girl scientist at 10:17 AM on February 17, 2011 [6 favorites]

There is an older show called planet earth and another called the raging earth that would be worth watching.
posted by fshgrl at 11:29 AM on February 17, 2011