Viewers are encouraged to run their hands through the sand and alter the patterns. Like a child's sand castle, seeds rain down onto a mound that grows until it can't grow any more. Scoop through the mound to make your own avalanches, or watch the system rise and fall on its own. Each avalanche relieves pressure on the pile, allowing it to begin growing again. Similar patterns of alternating growth and failure show up in many complex systems, from the stock market to people's emotional stability.
Rift Zone is large round basin filled with what appears to be a powdery, flour-like substance.
A hand sized button mounted on the plexiglass surface enclosing the basin controls a steady current of air blowing below the powdery substance. When you hold down the button, a pocket of air forms between the bottom of the basin and the powder. When you let go of the button, the powder settles into new shapes that show the expanison and settling of this micro-landscape. A single drop of water drips out of brass tubes onto a water platform. The spot light creates beautiful shadows on the back wall.