Very few people can honestly say that they’ve seen what goes on underneath the soil. But this exhibit in AgroLiquid’s IQhub museum lets visitors virtually step below ground to get a new perspective on water movement.

This three-sided unit with soil-like walls features animation and sound effects that show how water moves through the soil beneath a farmer’s crops. Fake pea plants cover the roof of the unit. Fake roots from the plants hang down from the ceiling below.

A motion sensor triggers a thunderstorm simulation when visitors step into the display. During the simulation, an animation on monitors show how the water flows through the different types of soil. Meanwhile, virtual lightning flashes and the sounds of rain surround the visitor. As the animation runs, informational audio plays and a virtual guide provides insight about the water movement depicted by the monitors.

Signs on the interior and exterior of the unit provide further scientific information about water movement. The signs discuss other details about the soil and explain farmers’ water management tactics. They also feature supplemental images and graphics.