Earthscope is one of the most accurate ways to monitor geologic activity in the world. Weather it is on a volcano, or a plate boundary, Earthscope is highly accurate within a few millimeters. It uses highly sensitive GPS devises, like we use in geocaching, to communicate with geostationary satellites. Geostationary means that from the observer's eye they do not appear to move in the night sky. This is due to the fact that the satellite orbit speed is the same as earth's rotational speed moving in the same direction. Earthscope stations are placed at key geologically active areas such as right here along Interstate 5. Here are some of those key locations:
So, what are the alternative instruments geologists can use to help predict earthquakes? We can use a number of devices that monitor the fault line or zone, as it is more scientifically correct for different conditions for different sites.. The fault zone can be monitored by using lasers. By using lasers, we can accurately measure how far the fault moves in a year, which is the same rate as an average human's finger nails grow. GPS systems are a little bit better in tracking the movement and direction of the fault zone. There are two types of GPS research can be used. One is more accurate than the other. One involves using survey disks, and although less accurate, many of them have been monumented in the 30s and 40s which can provide us with a better quantity of data for mapping. By using survey disks and benchmarks, we can accurately measure the direction and move rate of the fault zone and predict what it will look like in the future.
So, what can Earthscope's data show us? Well, for one we can determine the movement of a plate boundary very accurately and other fault movement. We can also use earthquakes, created by any fault nearby, and use this to our advantage. When a small earthquake happens, it sends shock waves in the interior of the earth. These shock waves are picked up by earthscope and are recorded. When we compare data from this earthscope to others, we can make a map of the entire of the earth. What rocks are below us and the extent of active fault lines. Below is a 3D map made from GPS stations like earthscope that help determine the location and extent of fault lines on land and below the water. The thickness of the lines shows the extent of the fault's surface area.
Works Cited
http://www.earthscope.org
http://www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/socal-faults.html
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1. Earthscope - Camp Pendleton on the first line of your email.
2. Why do you think this site was chosen to have an Earthscope monitering station?
3. If geologist wanted to monitor geologic activity here and they didn't have Earthscope, which option (mentioned in the description above) would you think work the best under the conditions at this site AND how would you implement it here?
4. Using the map found at GZ, where are the most Earthscope stations located near what landmarks/cities/states/etc. AND what does this tell you about the geologic activity there?
5. According to the plaque, Earthscope project scientists are studying four things. Pick one of the four things listed in the bullet points AND tell me why the other three don't apply to this site.