Studies of Tectonic Motion from Helwan-Satellite Laser Ranging Station

Gamal F.  Attia

doi:10.4236/ijaa.2014.44055

Gamal F. Attia

Abstract: Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) is a proven space geodetic technique with significant potential for important contributions to scientific studies of tectonic motion. Currently, SLR is the most accurate available technique to determine the geocentric position with a reported precision in the order of few millimeters. Data gathered through SLR together with “Short Arc” mathematical algorithm became a highly precise tool to detect, monitor and calculate recent crustal movements through repeated measurements of the baselines between some stations on different tectonic plates. In this paper, the Short Arc mathematical model introduced in a previous paper was used to calculate the length of the baseline between Helwan-SLR station and other four fixed SLR stations, placed on different plates. Application of this model with the data gathered through a 4 year time interval gave repeatable results with very high accuracy (in the order of 4 cm).

Keywords: Laser Ranging, Laser Radar, Crustal Movements, Short-Arc, Baselines

Cite this paper: Attia, G. (2014) Studies of Tectonic Motion from Helwan-Satellite Laser Ranging Station. International Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics, 4, 607-613. doi: 10.4236/ijaa.2014.44055.

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