Satellite Interferometry Research Articles

Multi-Temporal Satellite Interferometry for Fast-Motion Detection: An Application to Salt Solution Mining

Underground mining is one of the human activities with the highest impact in terms of induced ground motion. The excavation of the mining levels creates pillars, rooms and cavities that can evolve in chimney collapses and sinkholes. This is a major threat where the mining activity is carried out in an urban context. Thus, there is a clear need for tools and instruments able to precisely quantify mining-induced deformation. Topographic measurements certainly offer very high spatial accuracy and temporal repeatability, but they lack in spatial distribution of measurement points. In the past decades, Multi-Temporal Satellite Interferometry (MTInSAR) has become one of the most reliable techniques for monitoring ground motion, including mining-induced deformation. Although with well-known limitations when high deformation rates and frequently changing land surfaces are involved, MTInSAR has been exploited to evaluate the surface motion in several mining area worldwide. In this paper, a detailed scale MTInSAR approach was designed to characterize ground deformation in the salt solution mining area of Saline di Volterra (Tuscany Region, central Italy). This mining activity has a relevant environmental impact, depleting the water resource and inducing ground motion; sinkholes are a common consequence. The MTInSAR processing approach is based on the direct integration of interferograms derived from Sentinel-1 images and on the phase splitting between low (LF) and high (HF) frequency components. Phase unwrapping is performed for the LF and HF components on a set of points selected through a “triplets closure” method. The final deformation map is derived by combining again the components to avoid error accumulation and by applying a classical atmospheric phase filtering to remove the remaining low frequency signal. The results obtained reveal the presence of several subsidence bowls, sometimes corresponding to sinkholes formed in the recent past. Very high deformation rates, up to −250 mm/yr, and time series with clear trend changes are registered. In addition, the spatial and temporal distribution of velocities and time series is analyzed, with a focus on the correlation with sinkhole occurrence.

Application of DInSAR and Spatial Statistics Methods in Analysis of Surface Displacements Caused by Induced Tremors

Induced seismicity is one of the negative phenomena caused by anthropogenic activities that include mining of minerals. This phenomenon manifests itself as sudden and unpredictable shocks of rock mass, which can cause surface deformation and damage to ground infrastructure. Until the advent of satellite radar interferometry that enables analysis of historical events, the characteristics of these unexpected surface deformations were difficult to assess. The main aim of the research was the spatial analysis of the geometry of surface displacements caused by eight induced tremors in the Rudna copper mine (SW Poland) and the dependence of deformation characteristics (vertical displacements, extent) on the induced shock energy. For this purpose, Sentinel-1 satellite imagery, the differential radar satellite interferometry (DInSAR) method and geographic information systems (GIS) based spatial statistics were used. Vertical displacements were mapped on the basis of 37 calculated interferograms. Spatial statistics on the pixel-to-pixel level were performed in the GIS Map Algebra environment. In the result, descriptive and spatial statistics characterizing deformations caused by individual shocks were calculated. The average values of vertical displacements ranged from −44 to −119 mm. Strong, statistical correlation between the extent, maximum vertical displacement, and energy values was determined. In addition, geometries of the formed deformation areas were analyzed and presented graphically. The results obtained in this research constitute development of a knowledge base on surface displacements caused by induced tremors in underground copper mining.

The Planned Conservation of the Urban Fortifications of Tuscany: Satellite Interferometry as an Innovative Monitoring Technology for Asset Management

The Planned Conservation of the Urban Fortifications of Tuscany: Satellite Interferometry as an Innovative Monitoring Technology for Asset Management

Using Satellite Interferometry to Infer Landslide Sliding Surface Depth and Geometry

Information regarding the shape and depth of a landslide sliding surface (LSS) is fundamental for the estimation of the volume of the unstable masses, which in turn is of primary importance for the assessment of landslide magnitude and risk scenarios as well as in refining stability analyses. To assess an LSS is not an easy task and is generally time-consuming and expensive. In this work, a method existing in the literature, based on the inclination of movement vectors along a cross-section to estimate the depth and geometry LSSs, is used for the first time while exploiting satellite interferometric data. Given the advent of satellite interferometric data and the related increasing availability of spatially dense and accurate measurements, we test the effectiveness of this method—here named the vector inclination method (VIM)—to four case landslides located in Italy characterized by different types of movement, kinematics and volume. Geotechnical and geophysical information of the LSS is used to validate the method. Our results show that each of the presented cases provides useful insight into the validity of VIM using satellite interferometric data. The main advantages of VIM applied to satellite interferometry are that it enables estimation of the LSS with a theoretical worldwide coverage, as well as with no need for onsite instrumentation or even direct access; however, a good density of measurement points in both ascending and descending geometry is necessary. The combined use of VIM and traditional investigations can provide a more accurate LSS model.

Review of Satellite Interferometry for Landslide Detection in Italy

Landslides recurrently impact the Italian territory, producing huge economic losses and casualties. Because of this, there is a large demand for monitoring tools to support landslide management strategies. Among the variety of remote sensing techniques, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) has become one of the most widely applied for landslide studies. This work reviews a variety of InSAR-related applications for landslide studies in Italy. More than 250 papers were analyzed in this review. The first application dates back to 1999. The average production of InSAR-related papers for landslide studies is around 12 per year, with a peak of 37 papers in 2015. Almost 70% of the papers are written by authors in academia. InSAR is used (i) for landslide back analysis (3% of the papers); (ii) for landslide characterization (40% of the papers); (iii) as input for landslide models (7% of the papers); (iv) to update landslide inventories (15% of the papers); (v) for landslide mapping (32% of the papers), and (vi) for monitoring (3% of the papers). Sixty-eight percent of the authors validated the satellite results with ground information or other remote sensing data. Although well-known limitations exist, this bibliographic overview confirms that InSAR is a consolidated tool for many landslide-related applications.

Identification of the ground movements caused by mining-induced seismicity with the satellite interferometry

Abstract. The assessment of the impact of mining-induced seismicity on the natural environment and infrastructure is often limited to the analysis of terrain surface vibrations. However, similar seismic phenomena, like earthquakes, may also imply dislocations and deformations of the rock mass. Such ground movements may occur in areas which are not directly under the influence of the mining. The study of the displacement field caused by mining-induced seismicity is usually carried out with the use of geodetic methods. Classical geodetic measurements provide discrete information about observed ground movements. As a result, they generally do not provide spatially and temporally relevant estimates of the total range and values of ground movements for specific periods of interest. Moreover, mining-induced seismicity causes a severe threat to buildings. That is why, regarding the complexity of the mechanism of occurrence of mining-induced seismicity and their impact on ground movements, this problem remains a substantial research issue. The presented research aimed to analyse the ground movements caused by mining-induced seismicity. The ground displacements were established based on data from Sentinel-1 satellites applying differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR). The results of the investigation in the copper mining area of the Lower Silesia region of Poland revealed that the observed subsidence caused by mining-induced seismicity usually has a shape of a regular ellipse. The radius of these ground movements does not exceed approximately 2–3 km from the mining-induced tremor's epicenter, and the total subsidence reaches ca. 10–20 cm. More than 50 % of the total subsidence is observed on the surface within a few days after the mining tremor occurrence. Furthermore, the deformations of the surface occur when the energy of mining-induced tremor reaches values of the order of 105 J or higher. The presented research can contribute to better identification and evaluation of the mechanism of the rock mass deformation process caused by mining-induced seismicity. In addition, the use of satellite radar interferometry improves the quality of monitoring of these dynamic phenomena significantly. The data retrieved using this method allow for quasi-continuous monitoring of the local subsidence bowls caused by mining-induced seismicity.

Опыт мониторинга оседаний земной поверхности в урбанизированных районах методом радиолокационной спутниковой интерферометрии на примере города Санкт-Петербург

Разработана и опробована методика мониторинга на основе метода радиолокационной спутниковой интерферометрии с применением открытых данных радиолокационного спутника Sentinel-1. Обработка радиолокационных снимков была реализована на открытом программном обеспечении SNAP. В результате были получены 40 карт вертикальных смещений города Санкт-Петербург. На основе геоинформационного программного обеспечения QGIS был произведен анализ полученных карт смещений и визуализация результатов интерферометрической обработки.

Satellite interferometry for mapping surface deformation time series in one, two and three dimensions: A new method illustrated on a slow-moving landslide

Space-borne Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) has been extensively used in the last two decades to measure ground surface deformation, providing key information for the characterization and understanding of many natural and anthropogenic processes. However, conventional DInSAR technique measures only one component of the surface deformation (i.e. the satellite's line-of-sight (LOS)), causing the interpretation of DInSAR measurements to be challenging and potentially narrowing the understanding of the mechanisms and dynamics of the deformation processes at work. Presently available methods that estimate 3D surface deformation from DInSAR generally operate on individual interferograms and therefore do not produce 3D surface deformation time series. However, the availability of time series is essential for studying surface deformation processes, bringing information on, e.g., temporally and spatially-variable external forcing conditions and characteristics of future deformation patterns. The Multidimensional Small Baseline Subset (MSBAS) method was already able to produce 2D (east and vertical) surface deformation time series from multi-tracks and multi-sensors DInSAR data. Here we propose a novel version of the MSBAS (MSBAS-3D) method that can produce 3D (north, east, and vertical) surface deformation time series from ascending and descending DInSAR data. This new method proposes measuring the surface deformation for processes producing motion parallel to the surface, such as landslides and glacier flows, while conserving the DInSAR accuracy. The ability of MSBAS-3D to capture the full 3D deformation pattern of processes with a surface signature is illustrated for a large, slow-moving, deep-seated landslide, for which long DInSAR and dGNSS time series, as well as ground truth data, are available. Surface deformation is measured over a four-year period using 1D (LOS), 2D and 3D MSBAS methods, and the advantages and limitations of each approach are described. In this case, the novel MSBAS-3D technique produces superior results that greatly simplify interpretation of the processes at work. The MSBAS-3D software can be downloaded from http://insar.ca/.

Reevaluating Volcanic Deformation Using Atmospheric Corrections: Implications for the Magmatic System of Agung Volcano, Indonesia

AbstractA major challenge in using satellite interferometry (interferometric synthetic aperture radar) for volcanic monitoring in the tropics is distinguishing volcano deformation from atmospheric noise. We reanalyzed interferometric synthetic aperture radar time series from 2007–2009 from Agung volcano, Indonesia, which had previously been used as evidence for unrest. Using uncorrected data, we find an apparent velocity of 5.0±2.7 cm/yr consistent with previous reports, but we show that this signal is consistent with predictions of atmospheric contributions derived from weather models (European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts‐High‐Resolution). Following the correction, we find a velocity of 1.4±4.2 cm/yr and conclude that there was no significant deformation related to the inflation of a shallow magma source from 2007–2009. We discuss the implications for the inferred magma storage system at Agung and consider which other reported signals might have been wrongly attributed to deformation and should be reanalyzed.

Satellite Interferometry as a Tool for Early Warning and Aiding Decision Making in an Open-Pit Mine

Slope failures are life-threatening geohazards well-known in the mining industry, where a single accident can endanger workers and cause million dollars’ -worth of activity downtime. Therefore, a detailed ground deformation map of an open-pit mine represents a vital planning tool and high-frequency monitoring is pivotal, since false or anticipated alarms may represent a higher impact than missed alarms. This article presents an application of interferometric satellite data from Sentinel-1. The scope of the study is showing the potential of the new generation of satellites for the detection of the boundary, typology, and kinematics of the on-going slope instabilities in open-pit mines. Most notably, this experience discloses how the short revisiting time (six days) permits the implementation of time of failure forecasting methods, which so far were a prerogative of ground-based monitoring systems. Only recently, a few experiences have shown the possibility of ( a posteriori ) predicting slope failures using displacement time series measured from satellite; the case study here described represents one of such first examples. Moreover, 11 other areas of instability have been detected and classified in terms of subsidence (sediment compaction) or slope failures, based on considerations concerning the acquisition geometry used to detect the movements. The movement vectors along the ascending and descending lines of sight have been combined to compute horizontal and vertical vectors, which have been employed to infer the geometry of the sliding surface of some selected slope instabilities. Despite the advancements of the technique, clear limitations still exist and are discussed in this article.

Individual Scatterer Model Learning for Satellite Interferometry

Satellite-based persistent scatterer satellite radar interferometry facilitates the monitoring of deformations of the earth’s surface and objects on it. A challenge in data acquisition is the handling of large numbers of coherent radar scatterers. The behavior of each scatterer is time dependent and is influenced by changes in deformation and other phenomena. Built environments are especially challenging since scatterers may have different signal qualities and deformations may vary significantly among objects. Thus, the estimation of the actual deformation requires a functional model and a stochastic model, both of which are typically unknown per scatterer and observation. Here, we present an approach that models the deformation behavior for each individual scatterer. Our technique is applied in a postprocessing phase following the state-of-the-art interferometric processing of persistent scatterers. This addition significantly improves the interpretation of large data sets by separating the relevant phenomena classes more efficiently. It leverages more information than other methods from individual scatterers, which enhances the quality of the estimation and reduces residuals. Our evaluation shows that this technique can discriminate objects in terms of similar deformation characteristics that are independent of the specific spatial position and temporal complexity. Future applications analyzing large data sets collected by satellite radars will, therefore, drastically benefit from this new capability of extracting categorized types of time series behavior. This contribution will augment traditional spatial and temporal analysis and improve the quality of time-dependent deformation assessments.

Subsidence Zonation Through Satellite Interferometry in Coastal Plain Environments of NE Italy: A Possible Tool for Geological and Geomorphological Mapping in Urban Areas

The main aim of this paper is to test the use of multi-temporal differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) techniques as a tool for geological and geomorphological surveys in urban areas, where anthropogenic features often completely obliterate landforms and surficial deposits. In the last two decades, multi-temporal DInSAR techniques have been extensively applied to many topics of Geosciences, especially in geohazard analysis and risks assessment, but few attempts have been made in using differential subsidence for geological and geomorphological mapping. With this aim, interferometric data of an urbanized sector of the Venetian-Friulian Plain were considered. The data derive by permanent scatterers InSAR processing of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images acquired by ERS 1/2, ENVISAT, COSMO SKY-Med and Sentinel-1 missions from 1992 to 2017. The obtained velocity maps identify, with high accuracy, the border of a fluvial incised valley formed after the last glacial maximum (LGM) and filled by unconsolidated Holocene deposits. These consist of lagoon and fluvial sediments that are affected by a much higher subsidence than the surrounding LGM deposits forming the external plain. Displacement time-series of localized sectors inside the post-LGM incision allowed the causes of vertical movements to be explored, which consist of the consolidation of recent deposits, due to the loading of new structures and infrastructures, and the exploitation of the shallow phreatic aquifer.

Multi-sensor DInSAR applied to the spatiotemporal evolution analysis of ground surface deformation in Cerro Prieto basin, Baja California, Mexico, for the 1993–2014 period

The combined effects of active tectonics and anthropogenic activities, primarily geothermal resources exploitation for electricity production in Cerro Prieto geothermal field, influence the ground surface deformation in Cerro Prieto basin, Baja California, Mexico. In this study, a large set of multi-sensor C-band SAR images have been employed to reconstruct the spatiotemporal evolution of aseismic ground surface deformation that has affected Cerro Prieto basin from 1993 to 2014. Conventional DInSAR together with the interferograms stacking procedure was applied. The results showed that the study area presented considerable surface deformation (mainly subsidence) during the entire time of the investigation. The main changes in rate and pattern of surface deformation have a good correlation in time and space with the changes in production in the Cerro Prieto geothermal field. Comparison of LOS displacement maps from different viewing geometries, and decomposition (where possible) of LOS displacement into vertical and horizontal (east–west) components, revealed considerable horizontal displacement which mostly reflects the ground movement at and beyond the margin of the subsidence basin toward the areas of highest subsidence rates. In addition, the validation of the DInSAR results by comparing them against measurements from leveling surveys was performed, confirming the high reliably of satellite interferometry for the ground surface deformation rate mapping in the study area.

Integration of ground-based radar and satellite InSAR data for the analysis of an unexpected slope failure in an open-pit mine

On 17 November 2016, an unexpected slope failure occurred in an undisclosed copper open-pit mine. The nature of the event urged for a thorough back-analysis of slope monitoring data in order to assess its size and temporal evolution, and to determine whether precursors potentially able to anticipate the failure were present. To this aim, satellite InSAR data spanning over the final 9 months before the event were, in retrospect, acquired and coupled with measurements from a ground-based radar that was in use at the time of the failure. Although progressive deformation was detected by the ground-based radar in correspondence of the two uppermost benches in the pit, the satellite InSAR data revealed that the vast majority of the instability actually involved a large part of natural slope above the mine crest. This sector was not visible by the ground-based radar. Thanks to the short revisit time of the Sentinel-1 mission, clear slope accelerating creep was observed for the first time in satellite InSAR measurements over an open-pit mine. The delimitation of the area featuring accelerating creep behavior matched remarkably the source area of the failure as mapped in the field after the event. Considerations on the volume of the instability and on the development of the failure process (both in space and time) were consequently derived. The results provided a clear example of the value of jointly using ground-based and satellite interferometry to reduce the uncertainties inherent to the identification and characterization of impending catastrophic slope failures.

Estimation of ground subsidence in the city of Morelia, Mexico using Satellite Interferometry (INSAR)s

In recent years, the city of Morelia, in central Mexico, has been affected by differential subsidence of the soil evidenced by faults and fractures on the ground. The goal of this study is to obtain ground deformation time series from InSAR interferograms, in order to determine the temporal and spatial evolution of subsidence in the city of Morelia. Twenty-eight ENVISAT-ASAR images, acquired from May 2003 to September 2010, were processed. Perpendicular and temporal baselines of less than 400 m and 420 days respectively, were used as criteria to select interferograms. From a total of 378 interferograms, only 65 were considered to be of sufficient quality, based on the observed signal decorrelation. The results show that most of the city of Morelia is not affected by significant subsidence. In the areas where subsidence occurs, the rates of subsidence vary between 0.7 and 5 cm/yr. Most of the subsidence is in the form of discrete circular patterns and along segments of the observed surface faults. Ground subsidence is concentrated in specific areas on the footwalls of La Colina, Central Camionera and La Paloma faults. Subsidence, however, is not continuous along these faults, but observed only in some segments. In some cases, as in the case of La Paloma fault, the subsidence appears to be directly associated with the strong lithological contrast between the footwall and the hanging wall. In the other two cases, such as the Central Camionera and La Colina faults, the differential subsidence observed appears to be related with the complex basement and sedimentary structure of the volcanic subsoil of the city of Morelia and related primarily to differential compaction of the sedimentary fill.

Analysis of ice shelf flexure and its InSAR representation in the grounding zone of the southern McMurdo Ice Shelf

Abstract. We examine tidal flexure in the grounding zone of the McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica, using a combination of TerraSAR-X repeat-pass radar interferometry, a precise digital elevation model, and GPS ground validation data. Satellite and field data were acquired in tandem between October and December 2014. Our GPS data show a horizontal modulation of up to 60 % of the vertical displacement amplitude at tidal periods within a few kilometres of the grounding line. We ascribe the observed oscillatory horizontal motion to varying bending stresses and account for it using a simple elastic beam model. The horizontal surface strain is removed from nine differential interferograms to obtain precise bending curves. They reveal a fixed (as opposed to tidally migrating) grounding-line position and eliminate the possibility of significant upstream bending at this location. The consequence of apparent vertical motion due to uncorrected horizontal strain in interferometric data is a systematic mislocation of the interferometric grounding line by up to the order of one ice thickness, or several hundred metres. While our field site was selected due to its simple boundary conditions and low background velocity, our findings are relevant to other grounding zones studied by satellite interferometry, particularly studies looking at tidally induced velocity changes or interpreting satellite-based flexure profiles.

Assessment of Landslide Pre-Failure Monitoring and Forecasting Using Satellite SAR Interferometry

In this work, the ability of advanced satellite interferometry to monitor pre-failure landslide behaviours and the potential application of this technique to Failure Forecasting Methods (FFMs) are analysed. Several limits affect the ability of the technique to monitor a landslide process, especially during the pre-failure phase (tertiary creep). In this study, two of the major limitations affecting the technique have been explored: (1) the low data sampling frequency and (2) the phase ambiguity constraints. We explored the time series of displacements for 56 monitored landslides inferred from the scientific literature and from different in situ and remote monitoring instruments (i.e., extensometers, inclinometers, distometers, Ground Base InSAR, and total station). Furthermore, four different forecasting techniques have been applied to the monitoring data of the selected landslides. To analyse the reliability of the FFMs based on the InSAR satellite data, the 56 time series have been sampled based on different satellite features, simulating the satellite revisit time and the phase ambiguity constraints. Our analysis shows that the satellite InSAR technique could be successful in monitoring the landslide’s tertiary creep phase and, in some cases, for forecasting the corresponding time of failure using FFMs. However, the low data sampling frequency of the present satellite systems do not capture the necessary detail for the application of FFMs in actual risk management problems or for early warning purposes.

Complementarietà fra i dati dell'interferometria satellitare e quelli ottenuti con strumentazione a terra sui versanti in dissesto

Because of the requirement to begin monitoring landslides areas within ARPA Lombardia's geological monitoring network, the Geological Monitoring Centre (CMG) has initiated a project, which, thanks to interferometry satellite analysis, allows investigation over more than 30 monitoring networks within Lombardy.A project requirement is to update movement information in areas where the monitoring system was out of service in recent years, with the goal to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the existing ground instrumentation and to assess movement in real landslide areas.Because of the difficult terrain in landslide areas and the requirement for data to monitor minor movements, we choose a satellite interferometry, which acquires data from a COSMO-SkyMed satellite radar detection working in X - band. The investigation has allowed us to update landslide movement data and, in some cases, to expand the coverage of a single monitoring network. The acquired data has also allowed us to better position and optimize existing sensors and toposition newly installed sensors.

The contribution of satellite SAR-derived displacement measurements in landslide risk management practices

Landslides are common phenomena that occur worldwide and are a main cause of loss of life and damage to property. The hazards associated with landslides are a challenging concern in many countries, including Italy. Over the last 15 years, an increasing number of applications have aimed to demonstrate the applicability of images captured by space-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors in slope instability investigations. InSAR (SAR interferometry) is currently one of the most exploited techniques for the assessment of ground displacements, and it is becoming a consolidated tool for Civil Protection institutions in addressing landslide risk. This paper presents a subset of the results obtained in Italy within the framework of SAR-based programmes and applications intended to test the potential application of C- and X-band satellite interferometry during different Civil Protection activities (namely prevention, prevision, emergency response and post-emergency phases) performed to manage landslide risk. Analysis of satellite SAR data is demonstrated to play a major role in the investigation of landslide-related events at different stages, including detection, mapping, monitoring, characterization and prediction. In addition, this paper also discusses the limitations that still exist and must be overcome in the coming years to manage the transition of satellite SAR systems towards complete operational use in landslide risk management practices.

Space Geodetic Observations and Modeling of 2016 Mw 5.9 Menyuan Earthquake: Implications on Seismogenic Tectonic Motion

Determining the relationship between crustal movement and faulting in thrust belts is essential for understanding the growth of geological structures and addressing the proposed models of a potential earthquake hazard. A Mw 5.9 earthquake occurred on 21 January 2016 in Menyuan, NE Qinghai Tibetan plateau. We combined satellite interferometry from Sentinel-1A Terrain Observation with Progressive Scans (TOPS) images, historical earthquake records, aftershock relocations and geological data to determine fault seismogenic structural geometry and its relationship with the Lenglongling faults. The results indicate that the reverse slip of the 2016 earthquake is distributed on a southwest dipping shovel-shaped fault segment. The main shock rupture was initiated at the deeper part of the fault plane. The focal mechanism of the 2016 earthquake is quite different from that of a previous Ms 6.5 earthquake which occurred in 1986. Both earthquakes occurred at the two ends of a secondary fault. Joint analysis of the 1986 and 2016 earthquakes and aftershocks distribution of the 2016 event reveals an intense connection with the tectonic deformation of the Lenglongling faults. Both earthquakes resulted from the left-lateral strike-slip of the Lenglongling fault zone and showed distinct focal mechanism characteristics. Under the shearing influence, the normal component is formed at the releasing bend of the western end of the secondary fault for the left-order alignment of the fault zone, while the thrust component is formed at the restraining bend of the east end for the right-order alignment of the fault zone. Seismic activity of this region suggests that the left-lateral strike-slip of the Lenglongling fault zone plays a significant role in adjustment of the tectonic deformation in the NE Tibetan plateau.