Earth's Moving Surface

FAULTLINE FORGE · QUAKELING

Earth's Moving Surface

Seismic Outpost

Learn with Quakeling, then use your clues in the adventure. Pause whenever you need time to read or think.

Speech bubbles tell the story. Music and sound effects are optional; use the player’s volume control.

Train more: lesson transcript and free resources

Quakeling — Earth's Moving Surface Seismic Outpost

Hi!

I'm Quakeling.

Welcome to Seismic Outpost!

Will you help me investigate earth's moving surface?

The Grumblies have mixed up our clues.

Let's check the evidence!

Earth's outer shell is broken into tectonic plates that move slowly.

Plates include crust and uppermost mantle, not just floating continent shapes.

What moves slowly over time?

  • A. Tectonic plates
  • B. Only earthquake waves
  • C. Only rain clouds

The answer is A: Tectonic plates

Earth's outer shell is broken into tectonic plates that move slowly.

Plates include crust and uppermost mantle, not just floating continent shapes.

That clue helps us make sense of this place.

Rocks near a fault can resist motion while stress builds.

Slow plate motion and sudden earthquake shaking are different parts

of the story.

Are plates only continents?

  • A. Yes, every plate is one continent
  • B. No plate contains ocean crust
  • C. No, they include oceanic areas too

The answer is C: No, they include oceanic areas too

Earth's outer shell is broken into tectonic plates that move slowly.

Plates include crust and uppermost mantle, not just floating continent shapes.

Hmm...

how does that connect to our first clue?

Our model moves two pieces slowly until their stuck edges slip.

A sudden movement in the model represents a release of stored energy,

not plates racing around Earth constantly.

What builds while stuck rock resists movement?

  • A. A new atmosphere
  • B. Stress
  • C. Sunlight

The answer is B: Stress

Rocks near a fault can resist motion while stress builds.

Slow plate motion and sudden earthquake shaking are different parts

of the story.

Nice investigating!

You've been following the evidence.

Let's bring our clues together before the adventure.

Earth's outer shell is broken into tectonic plates that move slowly.

Rocks near a fault can resist motion while stress builds.

Our model moves two pieces slowly until their stuck edges slip.

You're ready to explore Seismic Outpost with me!

Choose TRAIN MORE if you'd like another look at the clues.

Choose START ADVENTURE when you're ready.

I'll be right here!

Or choose BACK TO MAP.

Every stop is open to explore!

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