Research Facilities

Computers

The PANGA Geodesy Laboratory at Central Washington University maintains a mixed network of Linux and Mac workstations, including a 100-CPU Beowulf cluster used for GPS data analysis and specific computational projects. 500Tb of space is also available for faculty and student use.

The Linux cluster is equipped with the GIPSY/OASIS II for high precision GPS data analysis, provided by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. For real-time analysis of the ~150 continuously telemetered PANGA GPS stations, we use Trimble RTKNet and Integrity Manager software to provide relative positioning of several mm resolution across the Cascadia subduction zone and its metropolitan regions. The Real-Time Gipsy along with continuously streamed satellite clock and orbit corrections, are used to provide absolute positions within a reference frame defined by the GPS satellite ephemerides and the Earth's center of mass. We also employ a variety of in-house parameter estimation and modeling software.

Data Analysis

The Geodesy Lab's primary scientific role is to support high precision geodetic measurements using the Global Positioning System (GPS), particularly for the study and mitigation of earthquake, volcanic, landslide and sea-level hazards. In addition, we also monitor infrastructure stability including ageing man-made structures such as Seattle's sagging Alaskan Way Viaduct, 520 and I90 floating bridges and power generation dams throughout the Cascadia subduction zone, including those along the Columbia River. The Geodesy Laboratory performs continuous and daily analysis and monitoring of a regional network of roughly 1400 GPS stations, including 350+ in the Pacific Northwest. Data from these GPS stations is disseminated via the web and data pushing, and utlized by a variety of local, state and federal agencies for mitigating hazards.

PANGA and CWU Geodesy Lab

The CWU Geodesy Laboratoary serves as the Data Analysis Center for the Pacific Northwest Geodetic Array (PANGA). In addition, we are closely tied to UNAVCO, Inc. and serve as a data analysis center for EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) operated by the US National Science Foundation. Research funding comes from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the State of Washington.

Equipment

To support our GPS field operations our equipment includes:

• Roughly two-dozen campaign GPS receivers, tripods, battery sets, solar panels, etc. The number varies as the instruments wear out and are replaced. CWU is a member of the UNAVCO consortium, and for large field campaigns these can be supplemented with receiver loans from the UNAVCO equipment pool.
• Numerous Hand held Garmin GPS receivers for point positioning
• A Hilti rock drill for emplacement of steel marker pins in hard rock
• Laptop computers and software for field downloading of GPS data from receivers
• We have a machine shop for production of various types of monumentation hardware. We recently modified INVAR rods for continuous GPS monuments. See monument for details. These monuments are low cost, and are specifically designed for bedrock settings. Plans available on request (email panga@geology.cwu.edu)