The surface of the Earth is made up of massive plates which rest
on the scorching hot inner region of the planet. The heat beneath
the surface drives the movement of the plates. This process is
called plate tectonics.
Over millions of years, these tiny movements make huge changes
as mountains form and continents disappear. Geologists study rocks
and fossils to understand how the Earth’s surface has moved in the
past and to predict what will happen in the future.
Above: Earth sphere and amethyst geode.
Photo © Jenni Sophia Fuchs.
Click on any of the images below to see a larger version of the
object and find out more about it.
Things to see
Rocks are the key to the Earth’s secrets. Look closely and you
can see different colours, structures and textures that are clues
to how the rocks formed. Were they made inside the Earth, on land,
or in a river, lake or ocean? Some rocks can even tell us what the
climate was like when they formed.
Every rock tells a story
Rocks are continually being changed by the forces of the Earth.
Heat and pressure can change one rock into another. Looking at
rocks that have changed, geologists can work out what the original
rock was and what forces were involved.
Geologists also study rocks and fossils to understand how the
Earth’s surface has moved in the past and to predict what will
happen in the future.
Earth in motion
Through a spectacular array of specimens, this gallery explores
the continually shifting surface of the Earth, uncovering the
causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and exploring how
erosion creates and destroys landscapes.
At the centre of the gallery, a mesmerising
two-metre sphere (below) projects images and videos from the inside
out, offering a 360 degree view of the dynamic way in which the
earth evolves and changes.
