The "Ancient Earth Globe" is an interactive map that takes you on a journey through the evolution of Earth's continents over the past 750 million years.
Have you ever wondered where your home was during the time of the dinosaurs? The interactive map “Ancient Earth Globe” invites users to explore the history of Earth’s continents, dating back 750 million years, and uncover fascinating details about our planet’s geological past.
Ancient Earth Globe: An Interactive Map that Chronicles Earth’s Evolution
The “Ancient Earth Globe” interactive map, created by former Google engineer Ian Webster, reveals the transformation of Earth’s continents and oceans over 750 million years. Using research from Northern Arizona University, the map offers users an immersive experience into the geological past and the shifting world of continents.
A User-Friendly Interface for Earth’s History Exploration
The website provides a range of tools for users to learn more about Earth’s history. By entering a location into the map, it uses plate tectonic models to display where countries were located hundreds of millions of years ago, such as during the time of the dinosaurs, the Early Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.
Witnessing Continental Shifts and Dinosaur Habitats
In addition to displaying Earth’s appearance during different periods, the interactive map highlights the continents’ positions during the time of the dinosaurs. Users can explore the location of the UK, US, Europe, Africa, Australia, Russia, India, China, and more during these ancient times.
Delving into Earth’s Geological Events and Species Evolution
Ancient Earth Globe offers insights into significant geological events, including the formation of the Pangea supercontinent, when Earth’s landmasses merged into one surrounded by the Panthalassa ocean. Users can also explore major extinction events, the evolution of Earth’s species, and the emergence of hominids, our primate family.
Ancient Earth Globe: A Comprehensive Look at Earth’s History and Dinosaurs
The interactive map is not only cool because it showcases Earth’s evolution over 750 million years, but it showcases Earth’s appearance when the dinosaurs went extinct 66 million years ago due to a massive asteroid impact. Moreover, the map reveals which dinosaurs used to inhabit the area users search, such as Eustreptospondylus in what is now England or Neovenator in present-day UK and France.
An Engaging Educational Tool for Younger Generations
Webster designed the interactive map as an educational resource to help younger generations better understand Earth’s ancient history and geology. The map is built on geological models created by geologist and paleogeographer Christopher Scotese, dating back to when green algae first evolved in Earth’s oceans.
Exploring Dinosaur Facts and Figures
Linked to the “Ancient Earth Globe” website is The Dinosaur Database, which offers a wealth of information about the fearsome creatures that once roamed our planet. Users can explore Earth’s history, from the first shells, coral reefs, and vertebrates to the emergence of land plants, animals, insects, and reptiles.
Earth’s ‘Big Five’ Extinction Events
The interactive map also highlights Earth’s major extinction events, including the most famous mass extinction triggered by a meteorite impact that brought about the end of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Users can learn about the other major mass extinctions caused by phenomena originating entirely on Earth and their impact on our planet’s history.
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