Examining Earth's interior from space

​Satellites

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Studying Earth's interior is extremely difficult. Scientists collect data through the use of satellites and make inferences on the data they do collect.

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• ​A GPS satellite uses solar panels to power itself.

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• Satellites use antennas to pick up information and send back location information to and from Earth.

​GPS Satelite

• ​This satellite, GOES-16, is used to collect data for weather forecasting and storm tracking through software and sensors in the extending probe.

• It is powered by solar energy absorbed through its solar panels. The sun sensors allow the satellite to position itself efficiently.

• The magnetometer allows it to determine cloud cover.

• ​Swarm satellites collect data on the electrical conductivity inside Earth's core.

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• Electrical conductivity is generated by the rotation of the liquid outer core as Earth spins.

• SWARM measures electrical currents with its magnetometer.

​Conductivity is highest in locations with

• high temperatures

• high salinity

• high water content.

​​SWARM satellite

​In the mid Atlantic, the high temperatures provide constantly hot rocks. There is planety of deep water. The salt content of the water is high.

​A: Collecting data on electrical conductivity will help determine temperature because conductivity is best where rocks are hottest. Therefore, the areas that show up on my satellite as the most conductive should help me infer temperatures.