Initial Publication Date: January 22, 2014

What is EarthScope?

Funded by the National Science Foundation, EarthScope is a network of observatories acting as an Earth "telescope" focused on both the exterior and interior structure and dynamics of our planet.


EarthScope uses a variety of instruments including global positioning system (GPS) stations, strainmeters, and hundreds of seismometers located across the United States, some of which are stationary and some of which are transportable. Yet, EarthScope is more than just instrumentation. EarthScope is also the scientists, the research they are conducting, and the exciting discoveries being made! For example, EarthScope scientists drilled a very deep hole into the San Andreas Fault and collected a rocky core which is leading to a new understanding of fault processes.

For more information about EarthScope visit www.earthscope.org