This article discusses how advances in atomic clock technology could revolutionize the field of geodesy, which is the science of measuring Earth’s shape and gravitational field. Atomic clocks are extremely sensitive to gravity, allowing them to detect tiny changes in elevation and gravitational pull. This sensitivity could be used to map Earth’s topography with much greater precision than current methods, such as GPS or traditional gravity meters. While today’s atomic clocks are complex and mostly used in laboratories, new commercial prototypes are emerging that may one day be used in the field.
If these clocks become practical for widespread use, they could lead to a global network of gravity sensors that monitor changes in Earth’s surface in real time. This could help predict natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, locate underground resources, and improve flood forecasting. Scientists are already preparing for this future, and once the technology is refined, it could transform how we understand and interact with our planet.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/atomic-clocks/a-powerful-tool-for-science/mapping-earth
Keywords: atomic clocks, gravity sensing, geopotential
