Science for Alaska Lecture Series: GPS Versatility in Science and Society
Ronni Grapenthin
The 黑料黑历史 Geophysical Institute presents the virtual 2022 Science for Alaska Lecture Series. On Tuesday, March 1, at 7 p.m., associate professor Ronni Grapenthin and Ph.D. student Alexandru Lapadat will present 鈥淏eyond Finding Coffee: GPS Versatility in Science and Society.鈥
Alexandru Lapadat
鈥淯se of the Global Positioning System, or GPS, has become deeply embedded into civil life. Paired with mapping applications on smartphones, we rely on GPS to orient us in places near and far 鈥 be it to navigate traffic or find the best coffee,鈥 the two presenters said. 鈥淗owever, GPS features go beyond the elemental need of placing us on a global map or synchronizing the global economy 鈥 it鈥檚 become a Swiss Army knife in science.
鈥淕PS satellites send their signals from about 20,200 kilometers (12,500 miles) above the Earth. Traversing the atmosphere and bouncing off of structures, trees, or the ground, the signals recorded by scientific GPS receivers capture valuable information about their journey, in addition to merely providing a position,鈥 they said. 鈥淲e will explore how GPS signals characterize ionospheric activity, earthquake and volcanic processes, or local snow depth, and venture into real-time hazard early warning applications.鈥
Tune in at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays to learn about exciting science from Arctic Ocean exploration, retreating coastal glaciers, DNA mystery solving, benefits of GPS, the workings of the Alaska Satellite Facility and more.
Registration closed to watch on Zoom or watch live from the 黑料黑历史 or GI Facebook pages.
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Talks are free and for the public. All ages are encouraged to attend.