Exploring Tectonic Motions with GPS
Learners study plate tectonic motions by analyzing Global Positioning System (GPS) data, represented as vectors on a map. By observing changes in vector lengths and directions, learners interpret whether regions are compressing, extending, or sliding past each other. To synthesize their findings, learners identify locations most likely to have earthquakes, and defend their choices by providing evidence based on the tectonic motions from the GPS vector and seismic hazards maps. Show more information on NGSS alignment Hide NGSS ALIGNMENT Disciplinary Core Ideas History of Earth: HS-ESS1-5 Earth' Systems: MS-ESS2-2 Earth and Human Activity: MS-ESS3-2, HS-ESS3-1 Science and Engineering Practices 4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data 5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking 6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions Crosscutting Concepts 4. Systems and System Models 7. Stability and Change 

Volcano Monitoring with GPS: Westdahl Volcano Alaska
Learners use graphs of GPS position data to determine how the shape of Westdahl Volcano, Alaska is changing. If the flanks of a volcano swell or recede, it is a potential indication of magma movement and changing ...

Alaska GPS Analysis of Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes
This activity introduces students to high precision GPS as it is used in geoscience research. Students build "gumdrop" GPS units and study data from three Alaska GPS stations from the Plate Boundary Observatory network. They learn how Alaska's south central region is "locked and loading" as the Pacific Plate pushes into North America and builds up energy that will be released in the future in other earthquakes such as the 1964 Alaska earthquake.

Measure a Changing Volcano
This hands-on demonstration illustrates how GPS can be used to measure the inflation and deflation of a volcano. Volcanoes may inflate when magma rises closer to the surface and deflate when the pressure dissipates or after an eruption.

Alaskan Volcanoes & Hazards Presentation
This lecture and associated animations give a basic introduction to Alaskan volcanoes, volcanic hazards, and volcano monitoring.

Alaska Earthquakes & Tsunami Presentation
This lecture and associated animations delve in more deeply to the topic of Alaskan earthquakes and tsunami along with their causes and variability. It also draws on EarthScope GPS and seismic data to show how we can study earth processes to better understand Alaskan geohazards. It highlights case study sites of Whittier and Seward during the 1964 Alaska Mag 9.2 earthquake to show how differences in location, topography, and land use can lead to different tsunami experiences in different communities. give a good introduction to tsunami produced by earthquakes and landslides. It includes information on how they are generated and why there can be great variability between tsunami characteristics--even for earthquakes of similar size. The lecture describes tsunami generated by the in particular depth.

Field Trip Guide: The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami--Consequences of Living on the Leading Edge in Alaska
This is a guide to a field trip that visits sites in Anchorage, Girdwood, and Whittier Alaska. The focus of the trip is the understand the science and societal impacts of the 1964 Alaska Mag 9.2 earthquake as well as the ongoing EarthScope research on geohazards to help us better plan for future events. Participants practice a tsunami evacuation walk as way to foster discussion of preparedness actions and challenges.