4 fun facts about GPS you didn't know

 

Much of the services we use on the smartphone and which are based on the user's location are only possible thanks to the invention of the Global Positioning System (GPS). However, there are some curiosities about GPS that many people still ignore.

This system is possible thanks to the satellites that orbit the planet Earth. From the crossing of information about its coordinates, it is possible to pinpoint precisely where on the planet the device is. Without it it would be much more difficult to drive on the roads or even to guide oneself in big cities.

However, anyone who thinks that the usefulness of GPS comes down to this is wrong. Here we list some curiosities about this important system that today is used in practically all possible areas.

1. Monitoring of volcanic activities

Scientists observe the movements of volcanic activities thanks to GPS signals. For this, high precision devices are placed in the vicinity of the places where there is a possibility of activity, allowing the verification of magma movements. With this, it is possible to understand when the movements can turn into an eruption, and alerts are issued.

Even after the eruption, GPS data remains useful. The analysis of distortions in the signal, caused by the ash released by the volcanoes, allows the calculation of the speed of displacement of the ash and the range that it can have. In many cases, clouds cross several countries until they dissipate.

2. Monitoring changes in sea level

Did you know that the tide level can also be calculated with GPS? The logic is simple: when the signal is emitted by the satellite it reflects on the surface of the sea. The higher the surface is, the higher the indication that the tide is rising. Thanks to the accuracy of the system, these data can be analyzed in real time.

From these measures, researchers are able to estimate the level of depth of the oceans. In addition, it is possible to understand how the intensity of the rains changes sea currents and the routine of the oceans. This is essential information for those who live in coastal regions.

3. Earthquake monitoring and prevention

Identifying the possibility of an earthquake occurring minutes before it happens can be instrumental in saving lives. Satellite signals can be used for this purpose. If on the one hand seismographs identify the movements that take place inside the earth, the movement of the tectonic plates is also identified by GPS.

The information collected by GPS is essential especially for defining the magnitude of earthquakes. A study conducted in the United States that took 12 earthquakes into account concluded that GPS is one of the most accurate tools to measure this index. It took only ten seconds to arrive at the right answer.

4. Analysis of the atmosphere

Like the logic of dust and ash from volcanic eruptions, it is also possible to use GPS to identify atmospheric conditions. This is because water vapor can also cause signal interference. From these data it is possible to estimate the volume of rainfall and even evacuate certain regions, if necessary.

In addition, there are studies showing that it is possible to analyze the electrical particles in the air. Sudden changes in the volume of particles in the atmosphere may be indicative of tsunamis or, to a lesser extent, waves above the average height being formed in the oceans.

Did you know that GPS was useful for so many functions let us know in comment box?