Trifter

WE all wonder about the past, present, future and the state of the earth at times. Most of us worry about the outlook for the planet after hearing stories about global warming and other major climatic changes. Some of the answers to these questions can be found in our Dynamic Earth on Holyrood Road in Edinburgh.

Our Dynamic Earth which stands under the basalt cliffs of the extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat offers visitors the opportunity to take pre-historic, volcanic, tropical, antarctic, oceanic or just fantasy expeditions.

There is a large number of interactive hands-on exhibits among the display and the centre offers an innovative education programme for groups of all ages. Further information on this programme can be obtained from 0131 523 1273.

Visitors enter Our dynamic Earth by going through the State of the Earth Exhibition. They can take the pulse of our small planet as it spins in the infinity of space. These intrepid explorers are given the opportunity to identify various near earth objects and are able to monitor the changing weather patterns, environmental news and population change by the second.

The Time Machine whisks the travellers back 15 million years to before the time of the dinosaurs, even to before the time that earth itself was formed.

How it All Started allows the trailblazers to travel on the bridge of a spaceship and observe the breathtaking convulsion of the Big Bang and the inauguration of our universe.

The pioneers next travel to Our Restless Earth and feel the earth shake beneath their feet during and earthquake or smell the smoky brimstone of a volcano. They must however watch out for the spreading of the lava.

Shaping the Surface is a flight over glaciers to discover how our present-day landscape was formed by the fearsome forces of nature.

Pioneers can follow the path of evolution in Casualties and Survivors, which gives the chance to meet the winners and losers in the continual fight for survival.

A yellow submarine takes voyagers below the ocean surface to gaze through portholes and a periscope to discover the underwater world or just explore the colourful macrocosm of the coral reefs.

The Polar Region lets explorers feel the chill of sub-zero temperatures and listen to the ear-splitting growls as glaciers break up and crash into the sea.

Adventurers are able to try the Journey of Contrasts      and travel from one extreme of earth temperature to the opposite on an odyssey from the dehydrating heat of the desert to the frozen tundra.

The rainforest immerses travellers in the humid heat and soaring trees of the tropics, where they will come face to face with the wild animals of the region. They are advised to watch out for the heavy rainstorms.

Visitors can explore how the forces of dynamic earth can effect us in the Showdome. They are able to question how to maintain our own survival on our roller coaster planet.

Ocean Commotion Kids’ Play Area is an interactive adventure play ground for the younger underwater daredevils.

Tourists can visit the Nature Selection Gift Shop to obtain gifts and souvenirs that are in, around and out of this world.

The Food Chain is Our Dynamic Earth’s fully licensed café that is ideally placed to satisfy famished explorers after the exhausting expedition through this attraction.

Our Dynamic Earth makes geology interesting and fun. There are earthquakes and erupting volcanoes or tropical rainstorms taking place at almost every step.                                 

Opening times at 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry 15:50) daily from April to June and September to October, 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry 16:50) daily in July and August and 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry 15:50) from Wednesday to Sunday between November and March.

There is limited chargeable car parking on the site and alternative parking close to the centre.

Our Dynamic Earth has full disabled access throughout and there are guidebooks and audio guides available in French, German, Spanish and Italian as well as in English.

There is a conference centre and private venue available for hire with details available on 0131 550 1724. The centre stands next to the new Scottish Parliament building and more details are available on 0131 550 7800