How does SLR help measure plate movement?

Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) measures plate movement by using laser beams sent from ground-based stations to satellites equipped with retroreflectors. By precisely timing the round-trip travel of the laser light, SLR can determine distances to the satellites with high accuracy. As tectonic plates shift over time, the changes in these distances can be monitored, allowing researchers to calculate the rate and direction of plate movement. This technology provides crucial data for understanding seismic activity and tectonic processes.