Using the data on this page, you will annotate the Plate Boundary map you used in the second activity of this lab. In this activity you will use GPS data to see how continents move over time. GPS stations are located throughout the world, and linked to satellites in fixed orbits around the earth. Data about the location of these stations has been collected for many years and using it, we can see that continents and plates have moved over time. The table on the next page gives GPS data for 12 locations around the world, with the average distance moved by each station in one year, and the direction it moved. Notice that the direction is given as either east or west of north.
Location Distance: mm per year Direction: Degrees from North
Canberra, Australia 58 18E
Guam, USA, SW Pacific 11 77W
Hawaii, USA 72 60W
Ulaanbataar, Mongolia 25 100E
Buenos Aires, Argentina 12 10W
Olso, Norway 21 50E
Denver, USA 17 103W
Capetown, South Africa 21 36E
St. Johns, Canada 19 51W
Yellowknife, Canada 21 125W
Bangalor, India 50 35E
Madrid, Spain 23 44E

1. For at least one location on each continent, draw an arrow indicating the direction of movement on the map provided. Build rough vectors (arrows) of direction and distance. The length of the arrow will represent the amount of movement (use a ruler or other measuring device) and the angle will represent the direction of movement from North (use a protractor if possible). Try to complete this for as many locations as possible. You may use the internet to help to find the locations where the GPS readings were taken.

2. Have a look at your results and note relative movements. How do these motions relate to plate boundaries?