Advanced InSAR Research Articles

Monitoring Mining Subsidence Using A Combination of Phase-Stacking and Offset-Tracking Methods

An approach to study the mechanism of mining-induced subsidence, using a combination of phase-stacking and sub-pixel offset-tracking methods, is reported. In this method, land subsidence with a small deformation gradient was calculated using time-series differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (D-InSAR) data, whereas areas with greater subsidence were calculated by a sub-pixel offset-tracking method. With this approach, time-series data for mining subsidence were derived in Yulin area using 11 TerraSAR-X (TSX) scenes from 13 December 2012 to 2 April 2013. The maximum mining subsidence and velocity values were 4.478 m and 40 mm/day, respectively, which were beyond the monitoring capabilities of D-InSAR and advanced InSAR. The results were compared with the GPS field survey data, and the root mean square errors (RMSE) of the results in the strike and dip directions were 0.16 m and 0.11 m, respectively. Four important results were obtained from the time-series subsidence in this mining area: (1) the mining-induced subsidence entered the residual deformation stage within about 44 days; (2) the advance angle of influence changed from 75.6° to 80.7°; (3) the prediction parameters of mining subsidence; (4) three-dimensional deformation. This method could be used to predict the occurrence of mining accidents and to help in the restoration of the ecological environment after mining activities have ended.

Temporal Decorrelation-Robust SAR Tomography

Much interest is continuing to grow in advanced interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) methods for full 3-D imaging, particularly of volumetric forest scatterers. Multibaseline (MB) SAR tomographic elevation beam forming, i.e., spatial spectral estimation, is a promising technique in this framework. In this paper, the important effect of temporal decorrelation during the repeat-pass MB acquisition is tackled, analyzing the impact on superresolution (MUSIC) tomography with limited sparse data. Moreover, new tomographic methods robust to temporal decorrelation phenomena are proposed, exploiting the advanced differential tomography concept that produces “space-time” signatures of scattering dynamics in the SAR cell. To this aim, a 2-D version of MUSIC and a generalized MUSIC method matched to nonline spectra are applied to decouple the nuisance temporal signal components in the spatial spectral estimation. Simulated analyses are reported for different geometrical and temporal parameters, showing that the new concept of restoring tomographic performance in temporal decorrelating forest scenarios through differential tomography is promising.

Short-Term Surface Deformation on the Northern Hayward Fault, CA, and Nearby Landslides Using Polarimetric SAR Interferometry (PolInSAR)

In this study, we analyze 25 RADARSAT-2 images from ascending and descending geometries to study the creep rate on the Hayward fault and landslide motions near Berkeley, CA. We applied a coherence optimization technique from polarimetric synthetic aperture radar interferometry (PolInSAR) to increase the accuracy of the measurements. We resolve 3–5 mm/year of motion along the Hayward fault, in agreement with earlier creep estimates. We identify a potential motion on secondary fault, northeast and parallel to the Hayward fault, which is creeping at a lower rate of ~1.5 mm/year. In addition, we identify a number of landslides along the hills east of the fault that agree with earlier results from advanced interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) analysis and field investigations. We investigate four particular slope instabilities, one of which was marked as moderately active, and three as highly active, by earlier field investigations. The resolved along-hill slope displacement is estimated at ~23 mm/year. Our results demonstrate that PolInSAR is an effective method to increase the interferometric coherence and provide improved resolution of deformation features associated with natural hazards.

Advanced InSAR interferometry for reservoir monitoring

Fabio Rocca, and Alessio Rucci, Alessandro Ferretti and Adrian Bohane show, with a case study from the InSalah project, Algeria, the benefits of a new application of surface deformation monitoring using multi-interferogram permanent scatterer techniques, an advance form of radar interferometry.

20 years of active deformation on volcano caldera: Joint analysis of InSAR and AInSAR techniques

InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar) techniques are applied to investigate last two decades of surface deformation of the Cerro Blanco/Robledo Caldera (CBRC). The objective is the identification of deforming patterns that alter the shape of these complex structures when they show low or null activity. The joint analysis between results by using different methods over a long time span, represents a unique opportunity to improve knowledge of volcanic structures located in remote area and, for this, poorly or not monitored.In this work we identify displacement patterns over the volcanic area, by using both classical differential InSAR analysis, and A-InSAR (advanced InSAR) analysis based on SAR data acquired by ERS-1/2 and ENVISAT sensors during the 1996–2010 time interval. The satellite-derived information allows us to characterize the deformation pattern that affected the CBRC and shows that the actively deforming CBRC is subsiding in the observed period. In order to figure out the deformation history of CBRC, we analyzed the four sub-periods 1992–1996, 1996–2000, and 2005–2010 by using standard differential InSAR technique, and the interval 2003–2007 by adopting an A-InSAR technique.Subsidence velocities of the CBRC caldera are about 2.6cm/yr in the time interval 1992–1996 (measured with ERS descending data), 1.8cm/yr in 1996–2000 (ERS descending data), 1.2cm/yr in 2003–2007 (ENVISAT descending data), and finally, 0.87cm/yr in 2005–2010 (ENVISAT ascending data). Moreover, outside the caldera and in particular in the NW area, we observe the presence of positive velocity values. Results show that: (a) a decreasing subsidence rate might be related to the reduction of volcanic activity in correspondence of the CBRC; (b) positive velocity signal, decreasing with time, might be interpreted as follows: – evidence of volcano structure lateral spreading, according to the velocity pattern distribution in this area and to the relative local flanks topographic convexity of the volcano structure; – uplift signal of this sector of mountain chain; – combination of the two mechanisms above.

PSInSAR Technology Research and its Application on Landslide Monitoring

Our country is one of the countries that with serious geological disasters,every year we loss nearly twenty billion yuan and hundreds of people dead because of it.How to liberate deformation monitoring from the traditional way by means of modern Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) is the responsibility of each technical workers. In this paper, we mainly introduce the recent fast-developed advanced InSAR technology -- Persistent Scatterers for SAR Interfero try PS InSAR and its application on Shuping landslide in the Three Gorges reservoir area .

Sentinel 1 SAR interferometry applications: The outlook for sub millimeter measurements

Optical leveling campaigns, tiltmeters, GPS and InSAR are geodetic techniques used to detect and monitor surface deformation phenomena. In particular, InSAR data from satellite radar sensors are gaining increasing attention for their cost-effectiveness and unique technical features, making possible the monitoring of large areas, even revisiting the past. Moreover, more advanced InSAR techniques (PSInSAR™, SqueeSAR™) developed in the last decade are capable of providing millimeter precision, comparable to optical leveling, and a high spatial density of displacement measurements, over long periods of time without need of installing equipment or otherwise accessing the study area.Thanks to the high density and quality of the measurements the PSInSAR data can be successfully used in geophysical inversion, to measure the permeability of oil reservoirs and/or to evaluate the possibilities and risks due to seismic faulting in the sequestration of CO2. In these cases, the precision, the sub weekly frequency of the measurements and the time required for the data to be available are the most important aspects, more relevant than the spatial resolution.Until recently, the main limitation to the application of InSAR was the relatively long revisiting time (24 or 35days) and the quite long waiting period for the delivery of the acquired data. The new Sentinel-1 mission, based on a constellation of two satellites, is expected to reduce such limitations guaranteeing a revisit cycle of 6days on a global scale and in particular over Europe and Canada and providing a high level of service reliability with near-real-time delivery of data within 24h, important for risk management applications. The new X band satellite SAR constellations like Cosmo Skymed and TerraSAR X have also a short revisiting time, from 4 to 11days. However, their coverage is limited to well definite areas, and an expensive decision has to be made if to initiate the observations on any target. Sentinel 1, instead, yields global and costless observations and thus, after the end of the commissioning phase, will always produce present and past ground motion for any target.It's important to underline that the millimeter accuracy, applying the InSAR analysis with Sentinel-1, will be achieved within a shorter observation time frame, thanks to the increased number of acquired images per year (Attema et al. 2010, De Zan et al., 2008). Results from ground based radar show that this improved precision is indeed achievable from C to Ku band, provided that an accurate model of the delay due to atmospheric water vapor is available or that precise reference points are close by.

Advanced interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) time series analysis using interferograms of multiple-orbit tracks: A case study on Miyake-jima

[1] InSAR time series analysis is an effective tool for detecting spatially and temporally complicated volcanic deformation. To obtain details of such deformation, we developed an advanced InSAR time series analysis using interferograms of multiple-orbit tracks. Considering only right- (or only left-) looking SAR observations, incidence directions for different orbit tracks are mostly included in a common plane. Therefore, slant-range changes in their interferograms can be expressed by two components in the plane. This approach estimates the time series of their components from interferograms of multiple-orbit tracks by the least squares analysis, and higher accuracy is obtained if many interferograms of different orbit tracks are available. Additionally, this analysis can combine interferograms for different incidence angles. In a case study on Miyake-jima, we obtained a deformation time series corresponding to GPS observations from PALSAR interferograms of six orbit tracks. The obtained accuracy was better than that with the SBAS approach, demonstrating its effectiveness. Furthermore, it is expected that higher accuracy would be obtained if SAR observations were carried out more frequently in all orbit tracks. The deformation obtained in the case study indicates uplift along the west coast and subsidence with contraction around the caldera. The speed of the uplift was almost constant, but the subsidence around the caldera decelerated from 2009. A flat deformation source was estimated near sea level under the caldera, implying that deceleration of subsidence was related to interaction between volcanic thermal activity and the aquifer.

Using advanced InSAR time series techniques to monitor landslide movements in Badong of the Three Gorges region, China

The Three Gorges occupy 193km of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River between Fengjie in Chongqing and Yichang in Hubei Province, China. Due to steep valley-side slopes and long-term river incision, landslides are a major hazard in the Three Gorges region. In this study, we employ the SBAS InSAR technique to process Envisat SAR images collected between 2003 and 2010. Our time series results enable identification of two distinct landslides with deformation rates of up to 10–15mm/yr in Badong County, and field evidence is used to verify the positions of these failures. With both descending and ascending observations, two-dimensional velocity fields in north and up directions are recovered to better understand the landslide movements. Obvious correlation between seasonal landslide movements and water level changes is observed, which not only provides strong support of our InSAR time series results, but also indicates the impacts of water level changes to landslide activities.

Estimating High-Resolution Atmospheric Phase Screens From Radar Interferometry Data

Radar interferometry (InSAR) deformation measurements are afflicted by artifacts associated with the atmosphere and errors in removing the topographic phase contribution. We present a new time series algorithm that eliminates high-spatial-frequency atmospheric effects (bubbles) not removed with existing advanced InSAR approaches applied to measurements of smoothly varying deformation through time. Our High-Resolution Atmospheric Phase Screen (APS) (HiRAPS) algorithm initially uses a connected set of short-period interferograms, each spanning no more than three satellite-orbit repeat cycles. We estimate height error differences between a pixel and its neighbors within a radius chosen to be significantly smaller than a bubble. The height errors are unwrapped and removed from those pixels with high values of a newly defined multi-interferogram phase correlation. We then create a deformation time series for the pixels using singular value decomposition. The high-resolution APS are estimated from a dense set of pixels using spatiotemporal filtering. We evaluate the HiRAPS algorithm on simulated data consisting of realistic time-linear and nonlinear deformation, height errors, and bubbles. The root mean square error between all simulated and estimated APS pixels is 0.26 rad with the HiRAPS algorithm and 0.39 rad with a persistent scatterer (PS) algorithm. We also apply the HiRAPS algorithm to 66 Radarsat-1 images of Phoenix, AZ. Our HiRAPS approach results in an 18-fold increase in APS pixel density over PS processing. After removing the HiRAPS and PS APS from PS interferograms, we find that HiRAPS provides an 18% increase in the number of final PS detected.

Monitoring and assessing reclamation settlement in coastal areas with advanced InSAR techniques: Macao city (China) case study

In the present study, we have investigated spatial-temporal behaviours of the land subsidence induced by reclamation activities in Macao Special Administrative Region, a coastal city of southern China. An advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) technique, referred to as Interferometric Point Target Analysis (IPTA), was applied to retrieve the deformation rate and displacement time series during the period from July 2006 to March 2009. Validated by levelling survey measurements, the InSAR-derived results showed a fairly stable and homogeneous pattern within the land of Macao before 1912, which consists mainly of the three granitic islands of Macao Peninsula, Taipa Island and Coloane Island. In contrast, relatively large deformation rates (between − 15 and − 41 mm year − 1) and local spatial settlement variability were discovered within the latest reclamation areas. A quantitative comparison analysis of the relationship between the observed settlements and the evolution of land reclamation indicated a time-dependent settlement behaviour with respect to the age of the reclamation. Another key result was that differential settlements were detected over short distances in reclamation areas, particularly between the ground surfaces and the adjacent buildings, thus providing valuable information not only for early detection and remedial activities of potential settlement of such buildings but also for the design of future facilities adjacent to the buildings, particularly for that of large infrastructure developments.

Impact of high resolution radar imagery on reservoir monitoring

Surface deformation monitoring provides unique data for observing and measuring the performance of producing hydrocarbon reservoirs, for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). To this end, radar interferometry (InSAR), particularly multi-interferogram Persistent Scatterer (PS) techniques, such as PSInSAR™, are innovative, valuable and cost-effective tools. Depending on reservoir characteristics and depth, oil or gas production can induce surface subsidence or, in the cases of EOR and CCS, ground heave, potentially triggering fault reactivation and in some cases threatening well integrity. Mapping the surface effects of fault reactivation, due to either fluid extraction or injection, usually requires the availability of hundreds of measurement points per square km with millimeter-level precision, which is time consuming and expensive to obtain using traditional monitoring techniques, but can be readily obtained with InSAR data. Moreover, advanced InSAR techniques developed in the last decade are capable of providing millimeter precision, comparable to optical leveling, and a high spatial density of displacement measurements over long periods of time, without the need for installing equipment or otherwise accessing the study area. Until recently, a limitation to the application of InSAR was the relatively long revisiting time (24 or 35 days) of the previous generation of C-band satellites (ERS1-2, Envisat, Radarsat). However, a new generation of X-band radar satellites (TerraSAR-X and the COSMO-SkyMed constellation), which have been operational since 2008, are providing significant improvements. TerraSAR-X has a repeat cycle of 11 days, while the joint use of two sensors of the COSMO-SkyMed constellation have an effective repeat cycle of just 8 days. With the launch of the fourth satellite of the constellation, in 2010, COSMO-SkyMed will have an effective revisiting time of just 4 days, allowing “near real-time” applications. Indeed, by combining two acquisition geometries (e.g. data acquired along ascending and descending orbits), it will be possible, on average, to have a new scene over the area of interest every other day. Additional advantages of the new X-band satellites are: A higher sensitivity to target displacement and a higher spatial resolution (the density of measurement points can be increased by an order of magnitude, possibly exceeding 2,500 PS/km2). In this paper, we present some examples of the application of X-band SAR data to reservoir monitoring. Special attention will be given to CCS projects where InSAR data could become a “standard” monitoring tool. The paper will highlight the technical features of the new sensors, the possible synergy between TerraSAR-X and COSMOSkyMed data, as well as the importance of a careful analysis of atmospheric disturbances affecting SAR data covering the area of interest, in order to retrieve high quality displacement data. Finally, some conclusions will be drawn supporting recommendations about future CCS monitoring programs.

Ground surface deformation patterns, magma supply, and magma storage at Okmok volcano, Alaska, from InSAR analysis: 2. Coeruptive deflation, July–August 2008

A hydrovolcanic eruption near Cone D on the floor of Okmok caldera, Alaska, began on 12 July 2008 and continued until late August 2008. The eruption was preceded by inflation of a magma reservoir located beneath the center of the caldera and ∼3 km below sea level (bsl), which began immediately after Okmok's previous eruption in 1997. In this paper we use data from several radar satellites and advanced interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) techniques to produce a suite of 2008 coeruption deformation maps. Most of the surface deformation that occurred during the eruption is explained by deflation of a Mogi‐type source located beneath the center of the caldera and 2–3 km bsl, i.e., essentially the same source that inflated prior to the eruption. During the eruption the reservoir deflated at a rate that decreased exponentially with time with a 1/e time constant of ∼13 days. We envision a sponge‐like network of interconnected fractures and melt bodies that in aggregate constitute a complex magma storage zone beneath Okmok caldera. The rate at which the reservoir deflates during an eruption may be controlled by the diminishing pressure difference between the reservoir and surface. A similar mechanism might explain the tendency for reservoir inflation to slow as an eruption approaches until the pressure difference between a deep magma production zone and the reservoir is great enough to drive an intrusion or eruption along the caldera ring‐fracture system.

Integrated analysis of SAR interferometric and geological data for investigating long-term reclamation settlement of Chek Lap Kok Airport, Hong Kong

We investigated the long-term reclamation settlement of Chek Lap Kok Airport, Hong Kong, one of the largest reclamation projects worldwide. An advanced InSAR technique was applied to two independent ASAR data sets along ascending (25 scenes) and descending (22 scenes) orbits acquired between 2003 and 2008, and allowed us to generate deformation velocity maps and displacement time series for the investigated area. Intercomparison of deformation velocity results from the two ASAR data sets and their validation against leveling survey measurements were carried out in order to assess accuracy and reliability of the InSAR observations. The intercomparison and validation results demonstrated the potential of elaborate InSAR processes on local-scale areas to monitor and detect a long-term residual settlement in such complex reclamation area. The InSAR-derived deformation velocity maps showed a fair stability in areas of the two original rocky islands of Chek Lap Kok and Lam Chau, and on most of the buildings at the site due to foundation on piles reaching the granite bedrock, whereas a generally moderate (3–7 mm/year) to strong (> 10 mm/year) and spatially variable settlement trend was detected in the majority of reclamation areas of the airport. The consistent relationship we found between the observed settlement pattern and the underlying geological conditions suggested that this recoded differential settlement was mainly related to the variations in thickness and soil properties of both the fill materials and the alluvial deposits below the reclamation. A geological and geotechnical interpretation of the lithostratigraphy of the alluvial deposits beneath the reclamation implied that the relatively large settlement rate measured up to 2008 was resulted from a still active primary consolidation process.

Advanced InSAR atmospheric correction: MERIS/MODIS combination and stacked water vapour models

A major source of error for repeat‐pass Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is the phase delay in radio signal propagation through the atmosphere (especially the part due to tropospheric water vapour). Based on experience with the Global Positioning System (GPS)/Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) integrated model and the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) correction model, two new advanced InSAR water vapour correction models are demonstrated using both MERIS and MODIS data: (1) the MERIS/MODIS combination correction model (MMCC); and (2) the MERIS/MODIS stacked correction model (MMSC). The applications of both the MMCC and MMSC models to ENVISAT Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) data over the Southern California Integrated GPS Network (SCIGN) region showed a significant reduction in water vapour effects on ASAR interferograms, with the root mean square (RMS) differences between GPS‐ and InSAR‐derived range changes in the line‐of‐sight (LOS) direction decreasing from ∼10 mm before correction to ∼5 mm after correction, which is similar to the GPS/MODIS integrated and MERIS correction models. It is expected that these two advanced water vapour correction models can expand the application of MERIS and MODIS data for InSAR atmospheric correction. A simple but effective approach has been developed to destripe Terra MODIS images contaminated by radiometric calibration errors. Another two limiting factors on the MMCC and MMSC models have also been investigated in this paper: (1) the impact of the time difference between MODIS and SAR data; and (2) the frequency of cloud‐free conditions at the global scale.

Subsidence induced by urbanisation in the city of Rome detected by advanced InSAR technique and geotechnical investigations

We applied the Interferometric Point Target Analysis (IPTA) technique to study the city of Rome (Italy) aiming to detect and measure the surface movements of buildings and urban structures. The available SAR dataset has been delivered by ESA CAT1 3258 and ranges the period 1992–2005. In particular ERS1–ERS2 data processed covers 1995–2000, while Envisat ASAR 2002–2005. The Point Target velocity map shows a general stability except for some very local areas affected by subsidence rate larger than 10 mm/year. The analysis of the time series, compared to a detailed geological and geotechnical investigation of the lithostratigraphy of the alluvial sediments of the Tiber River, and combined with a temporal reconstruction of the expansion of the city over the alluvial valleys, allowed us to depict the main factors controlling the observed subsidence. These are: the in situ effective stress conditions, the related compressibility and viscous characteristics of the loaded soils, the thickness of the compressible stratum, the time since loading instant, and the entity of loading. Furthermore the observed subsidence is time-dependent, even at a long time-scale, with respect to the age of the buildings being most of the buildings constructed since the '50s still affected by slow subsidence. We mainly focused on the Grottaperfetta stream valley that is characterized by an anomalous high and time-lasting subsidence. Original data on the lithostratigraphic setting of this alluvial valley indicate that the high subsidence rate measured up to 2005 is caused by a still active primary consolidation process.