Describe how a laser-ranging device works.

A laser-ranging device is used to measure horizontal movement at a fault. A laser is located on one side of a fault and a reflector is placed on the other side. A laser-ranging device measures movement by determining the time it takes for the laser to be reflected back across the fault.

1. How are GPS satellites used to monitor faults?
2. What do tiltmeters measure quizlet?
3. How can GPS data help in the prediction of earthquakes?
4. How do scientists use GPS to predict and monitor earth movement?
5. How would the seismograms for the two earthquakes compare?
6. What are three ways in which geologists use seismographic data?
7. How does the energy from an earthquake reach the surface of Earth?
8. How might a geologist measure the distance of Earth movement along a fault line?
9. How do a GPS work?
10. How does GPS support the theory of plate tectonics?
11. How do scientists measure the rate at which plates move?
12. What techniques are used to measure and monitor plate motion?
13. Why does the earth shake during an earthquake?
14. How do you think scientists use seismograms to determine the magnitude of an earthquake?
15. What is Richter scale used to measure?

How are GPS satellites used to monitor faults?

measure changes in elevation- A network of Earth-orbiting satellites called GPS satellite helps scientists monitor changes in elevation (vertical) as well as horizontal movement along faults. ... ground movements along faults- A creep meter uses a wire stretched across a fault to measure horizontal movement of the ground.

What do tiltmeters measure quizlet?

To monitor faults geologists have developed instruments to measure changes in elevation, tilting the land surface, and ground movements along faults. ... What does a tiltmeter measure? A tiltmeter measures tilting or raising of the ground in vertical movement.

How can GPS data help in the prediction of earthquakes?

GPS measures the size of an earthquake by examining the final amount that a station has been displaced in an event. This is done by examining the total distance that a station has moved in an earthquake by comparing its position prior to the event with its position following the event.

How do scientists use GPS to predict and monitor earth movement?

They take repeated measurements of the location of permanent markers, and track earth movement. How do scientists use GPS to predict and monitor earth movement? The plates move so slowly that there is very little strain at the boundaries. You just studied 25 terms!

How would the seismograms for the two earthquakes compare?

How would the seismograms for the two earthquakes compare? The bigger earthquake would show bigger, more jagged lines on the seismogram and the weaker quake would have shorter lines.

What are three ways in which geologists use seismographic data?

What are three ways in which geologists use seismographic data? Geologists use seismographic data to map faults, monitor changes along faults, and to try to predict earthquakes.

How does the energy from an earthquake reach the surface of Earth?

How does energy from an earthquake reach Earth's surface? Seismic waves carry energy from an earthquake away from the focus, through earth's interior and across the surface. ... P waves are primary waves they are the first set of waves.

How might a geologist measure the distance of Earth movement along a fault line?

Scientists have long used seismometers to detect vibrations caused by the plates' motion, especially during large events like earthquakes. Seismometers can also detect subtle motion and capture relatively small movements at high frequencies.

How do a GPS work?

How GPS works. GPS satellites circle the Earth twice a day in a precise orbit. Each satellite transmits a unique signal and orbital parameters that allow GPS devices to decode and compute the precise location of the satellite. GPS receivers use this information and trilateration to calculate a user's exact location.

How does GPS support the theory of plate tectonics?

Each plate rotates about a "pole" and each plate also has a different speed. The farther you are from the pole of rotation, the bigger the speed of your GPS station. By observing tectonic motion with GPS instruments, we can learn what is pushing and pulling at the Earth's surface—and what happens when it does.

How do scientists measure the rate at which plates move?

The Global Positioning System Scientists use a system of satellites called the global positioning system (GPS) to measure the rate of tectonic plate movement.

What techniques are used to measure and monitor plate motion?

Since plate motions are at a global scale, they are best measured by satellite-based methods. The three most commonly used space-based techniques are: very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), satellite laser ranging (SLR), and the Global Positioning System (GPS).

Why does the earth shake during an earthquake?

The tectonic plates are always slowly moving, but they get stuck at their edges due to friction. When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction, there is an earthquake that releases energy in waves that travel through the earth's crust and cause the shaking that we feel.

How do you think scientists use seismograms to determine the magnitude of an earthquake?

Seismograms contain information that can be used to determine how strong an earthquake was, how long it lasted, and how far away it was. Modern seismometers record ground motions using electronic motion detectors. The data are then kept digitally on a computer. These seismograms show the arrival of P-waves and S-waves.

What is Richter scale used to measure?

The Richter scale measures the largest wiggle (amplitude) on the recording, but other magnitude scales measure different parts of the earthquake. The USGS currently reports earthquake magnitudes using the Moment Magnitude scale, though many other magnitudes are calculated for research and comparison purposes.