Ground deformational studies using ALOS-PALSAR data between 2007 and 2010 of the central Kutch area, Gujarat, India

Abstract

The central Kutch region of Gujarat, India, experienced a M7.7 earthquake on January 26, 2001, causing large-scale ground deformations including a huge loss of lives and infrastructure. The rupture of a hidden reverse fault was the reason for this intense tectonic activity. The post-seismic ground deformations, attributed to the relaxation phase of a stressed crustal layer, have been analyzed using a pair of Advanced Land Observation Satellite-Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) images. The InSAR images were obtained in 2007 and 2010, covering an area around Bhuj. It falls on the Kutch Mainland Fault and Katrol Bhuj Fault. Using the ADORE-DORIS software, interferometric imagery has successfully been generated, covering the study area. This allowed making interesting geological inferences. Three different regions in the study area elicited countable visible colored fringes, indicating different amounts of positive and negative ground deformations (surface motion with respect to the satellite). They occurred within the InSAR data acquisition dates. The region around Bhuj and to the north and east of Bhuj showed top surface deformations of about 35, 35, and 24 cm, respectively. The synoptic view of the interferometric image of the study area suggests two crustal fault lines running to the north and south of Bhuj city. The Institute of Seismological Research, geophysical and Global Positioning System data, indicates that huge seismic events occurred during the year 2007–2010 and supports the observational inference of clustering of interferometric fringes to the E and NE of the study area.