This case study requires students to access Global Postioning System (GPS) data from the EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory and analyze the data in a spreadsheet to measure the motion of GPS stations in the Pacific Northwest. From their analyses, students will generate and map annual velocity vectors of GPS stations. Finally, they will explore patterns in the direction and length of velocity vectors on the map to understand tectonic motions and surface deformation associated with the subduction of the Juan de Fuca plate under the North America plate.
