Seismic wave propagation, plate tectonics, hydraulic erosion and deep mantle convection — explore the dynamic processes that shape our planet.
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From seismic waves to mantle plumes — the physics of our dynamic planet
Geology and Earth science simulations model the physical processes that reshape our planet across time scales from seconds (seismic waves) to millions of years (tectonic drift). These interactive tools make continental-scale phenomena accessible through real-time computation in your browser.
Seismic wave propagation uses finite-difference methods on a 2D grid, showing how P-waves, S-waves, and surface waves behave differently in layered rock. The terrain generators apply hydraulic erosion algorithms — simulating how water carves valleys and deposits sediment, producing landscapes indistinguishable from satellite imagery.
Mantle convection demonstrates Rayleigh-Bénard instability — the same thermal convection that drives tectonic plates in reality. The carbon cycle model tracks carbon exchange among atmosphere, ocean, biosphere, and lithosphere, showing how perturbations cascade through a coupled Earth system.
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