RO Number
18689
Keyword(s)
Disturbances; Early warning systems; GPS; Ionosphere; Natural hazards; TEC
Citizenship Requirement
U.S. Citizens Accepted; Lawful Permanent Residents Accepted; Foreign Nationals Accepted
Description
Natural hazards including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, have been significant threats to humans throughout
recorded history. The Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites have become primary sensors to measure signatures
associated with such natural hazards. These signatures typically include GPS-derived seismic deformation measurements,
co-seismic vertical displacements, and real-time GPS-derived ocean buoy positioning estimates. Another way to use GPS
observables is to compute the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) to measure and monitor ionospheric disturbances
caused by earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and tsunamis. We conduct research and develop new and innovative technologies
that may be used for detecting natural-hazards-generated TEC perturbations including earthquakes and tsunamis.
Furthermore, volcanic eruptions and nuclear tests can generate TEC perturbations which may potentially be detected using
the same technology. This research area directly addresses NASA Strategic Goals and Outcome 2.1 and Objective 2.1.6
“Characterize the dynamics of Earth’s surface and interior and form the scientific basis for the assessment and mitigation of
natural hazards and response to rare and extreme events.”