GPS Satellite Data: Distorted Disturbances Game
Students have silly fun simulating GPS occultations.
Students pass around and distort messages written on index cards to learn how we use signals from GPS occultations to study the atmosphere. The cards represent information sent from GPS satellites being distorted as they pass through different locations in the Earth's atmosphere and reach other satellites. Reminiscent of the game of telephone, the messages often become nonsensical and funny. Analyzing GPS occultations enables better global weather forecasting, storm tracking and climate change monitoring.
Engineers and scientists use GPS satellites and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to study the atmosphere to better understand weather, climate, pollution, ozone, and solar radiation. Although GPS satellites designed by engineers are most commonly used for navigation, a technique called GPS occultations gathers atmospheric data 24/7 from around the globe. The satellite information received using this technique enables us to learn more about our weather and climate and how the various layers of our atmosphere work and interact with one another.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe how we can analyze disturbed GPS signals in order to understand the type of weather they passed through.
- Compare actual results to expected results to find the reasons for any differences.
- Describe how GPS satellites are used for more than navigation.