A new type of measurement

Another way to measure vertical and horizontal movement of the earth is through the use of GPS. GPS is a navigation and positioning system developed by the Department of Defense in the early 1970's. Among its many applications, scientists use GPS to monitor the movement of the Earth's crust, all over the world, between and during earthquakes. From these measurements, maps and models can be created to show how fast and in what direction the crust is moving due to both plate and fault movement. SCIGN, the Southern California Integrated GPS Network, is one of the newest GPS arrays, designed to produce detailed information about movements in Southern California. By using GPS and networks such as SCIGN, it will be possible in the near future to reduce damage to buildings, freeways, utilities, and homes, and improve emergency preparedness and response by determining, in advance, areas and structures in those areas at greatest risk.

What are earthquakes? Types of earthquakes Forces What causes stress? Elasticity Waves Detection and recording Measurement A new type of measurement