3D-printed representations of global geophysical parameters for outreach
and education
Abstract
Measurements and models of global geophysical parameters such as
potential fields, seismic velocity models and dynamic / residual
topography are well represented as 2D coloured / contoured maps.
However, as teaching aids and for outreach, they offer little impact.
Modern 3D-printing techniques help to visualize these and other concepts
that are difficult to grasp, such as the intangible structures in the
deep Earth. We developed a simple method for portraying scalar fields by
3D printing modified globes of surface topography, representing the
parameter of interest as additional, exaggerated topography. This is
particularly effective for long-wavelength (>500 km)
fields. The workflow uses only open source and free-to-use software, and
the resulting models print easily and effectively on a cheap
(<300 GBP, 400USD) desktop 3D-printer. We have printed 3D
representations of different scalar fields, including models of the
surface topography of rocky planets, which can be used in outreach
events. These objects are powerful to explain the importance of plate
tectonics in shaping a planet. The workflow was extended to 3D scalar
fields by analogy to Russian nesting dolls, where the audience can
remove shallower layers to see how structures change with depth. We
applied this to global seismic tomography models resulting in prototypes
of “seismic matryoshkas” (see Figure). The tactile nature of these
objects ensures that anyone, including the visually impaired, can
explore the structures present deep within our planet