Surface Deformation Mechanism Analysis in Shanghai Areas Based on TS-InSAR Technology

Abstract

To address the problem that surface deformation causes in urban areas by affecting urban security and threatening human life and property, this study first measured the surface deformation in Shanghai from 2016 to 2020 using the time series InSAR method. Then, the spatial–temporal distribution and evolution characteristics of deformation were investigated in detail. The deformation mechanism is explained by factors including groundwater and rainfall. By introducing the seasonal changes of tides and sediment accumulation, the reason for the uplift in the Shanghai area is further explained. Finally, the surface deformation of the reclamation area is detected further. Meanwhile, the spatial–temporal variation characteristics of the surface in the reclamation area are explored. Through time series InSAR technology, the results of surface deformation in Shanghai demonstrate the following: (1) The deformation in the study area is uneven in time, and the subsidence is especially apparent during the 2016–2017 period. The maximum cumulative subsidence amounts to −131.1 mm, and the PS points with subsidence rates greater than −5 mm/y occupy 41.36% of all the subsidence points. In addition, PS points with uplift rates greater than 5 mm/y account for 39.55% of all the uplift points. The overall spatial distribution in the Shanghai area is characterized by the uplift in the north and subsidence in the south, whereas the cumulative subsidence in the time series presents a slowing trend; (2) Surface subsidence and groundwater, rainfall, and urban development in the Shanghai area are correlated. Seasonal changes in tides contribute to surface uplift in coastal areas. Coastal sediment accumulation and soil changes also make direct contributions to the occurrence of surface uplift; (3) The deformation of the reclamation area and the completion time are correlated, and the subsidence points of the reclamation area are mainly concentrated on the surrounding dikes from 2016 to 2020. The cumulative subsidence of the two years from 2016 to 2017 is up to −102.2 mm. The results of this study systematically explore the spatial–-temporal evolution and causes of surface deformation in Shanghai, providing scientific data which can support the development of Shanghai.