Displaying Scott's geologic data is a challenge but could have some cool graphic impact. I keep thinking light. Depending on time and budget here's some possibilities.
Printed plate glass backlit by LED lights:
If using a screen of some kind, maybe a grid of animated gifs like:
What if the research were turned into a sort of app that could be projected on a wall or table that the public could interact with. The price of these type of projectors have come down in the last few years:
Here's some interface ideas: