The configuration of continents and oceans of our tectonically active planet is ever changing. Using new, high‐resolution paleogeographic base maps, we created a set of animations that examine key elements of plate tectonics. These time‐ and space‐based paleoglobe reconstructions illustrate continental rifting, continental breakup, ocean ridges and fracture zones, hot spot tracks, arc‐backarc systems, continental collision, terrane accretion, opening‐closing of ocean basins, supercontinent formation, plate velocities, and future Earth. Each animation is supported by a narrative that offers a brief topical overview, some observations to guide a user’s exploration, and key references that formulated the main ideas and concepts that became the foundations of modern plate tectonics.Key PointsFundamentals of plate tectonics are explored with paleogeographyShort animations and supporting write‐ups illustrate key processes and properties of tectonicsPresenting plate reconstructions from Cambrian to Today, and a permissible future EarthPeer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/163371/2/ess2650.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/163371/1/ess2650_am.pd
