Application of GNSS and SAR data in landslide monitoring along the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria

Abstract

Landslide processes are considered to be the major part of the natural hazards occurring on the northern part of the Bulgarian sea side. Their monitoring can be done with high precision using GNSS data. The objective of this study is to provide solid grounds for monitoring of the landslide processes using GNSS and SAR data. This goal will be achieved by implementation the following: 1) establishment a verified methodology for extracting high-quality information from SAR images aimed at continuous monitoring of landslide areas integrating InterFerometric Images (IFI) and GNSS data and 2) creation of working prototype of an information system for monitoring and prevention of the effects of earth crust movements (landslides, falls, etc.) based of freely accessible data provided by ESA and national sources. One of the scientific tasks to be solved includes the development of methodological approaches for comparison of the results from combined processing of interferometric images from SAR, measurements at permanent GNSS stations of the national NIGGG network in the area of study and geodetic measurements of a newly established test network covering a specific area on the Northern Black Sea coast of Bulgaria with active landslide processes.