GPS Technology Used to Track Earthquake Data
Researchers have implanted GPS devices on every continent in the past 20 years to study the Earth’s movement, and have used these devices to discover data about the latest earthquake in Chile. On February 26, Michael Bevis went to Santiago, Chile with his GPS equipment to study the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that recently devastated the area. He was joined by Dana Caccamise of Ohio State University’s Division of Geodetic Science.
“There is a tremendous learning opportunity here,” Bevis said. “It will directly impact our understanding of these kinds of earthquakes.”
In addition to studying the earth’s movements, the information obtained from GPS technology provides help for the people of earthquake-stricken areas. The partnership between OSU and the Instituto Geographico Militar de Chile has created a strong bond, and Bevis is one of a few scientists who are trusted enough by the government to be relied on for guidance and aid in disaster-recovery endeavors.
Hopefully the data will provide clues about where and when possible future earth quakes may occur. “Most people think of the earthquake as being over,” Bevis commented. What is known already is that the earth will continue to move.
GPS technology has been implemented in yet another arena-tracking information about earth quakes. In the future many more uses are sure to be discovered for GPS technology.
(Via The Columbus Dispatch)
