Surface deformation analysis in the Ischia Island (Italy) based on spaceborne radar interferometry

The island of Ischia, located at the northwestern end of the Gulf of Napoli (Italy), is a volcanic area that is historically active (the Arso eruption, in 1302 and the Casamicciola earthquake, in 1883) and has diffuse hydrothermal phenomena. We present in this work a study of the surface deformation occurring in the island, which is based on applying the Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (DInSAR) algorithm referred to as Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) technique. This study is focused on the 1992–2003 time interval and SAR data acquired by the European Remote Sensing (ERS) satellites from ascending and descending orbits have been used, thus allowing us to discriminate the vertical and east–west components of the displacements. A validation of the DInSAR results has been carried out first by comparing the vertical deformations estimated from the SAR data with those measured from the spirit leveling network that is present in the area. In particular, we computed the difference between the mean vertical deformation velocities estimated from the SAR and the corresponding geodetic measurements along three main leveling lines; the maximum value of the root mean square difference is of about 1 mm/yr. The final discussion is dedicated to the interpretation of the detected displacements, benefiting from the overall information extracted from the ascending and descending DInSAR measurements. In particular, DInSAR data relative to the vertical deformation component show that the present-day subsidence of Ischia mainly develops in areas characterized by active landsliding and along faults; moreover, the deflation of the island, which is recorded by the horizontal displacement component, is probably related to the de-pressurization of the hydrothermal system.     

A Quantitative Assessment of DInSAR Measurements of Interseismic Deformation: The Southern San Andreas Fault Case Study

We investigate the capabilities and limitations of the Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) techniques, in particular of the Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) approach, to measure surface deformation in active seismogenetic areas. The DInSAR analysis of low-amplitude, long-wavelength deformation, such as that due to interseismic strain accumulation, is limited by intrinsic trade-offs between deformation signals and orbital uncertainties of SAR platforms in their contributions to the interferometric phases, the latter being typically well approximated by phase ramps. Such trade-offs can be substantially reduced by employing auxiliary measurements of the long-wavelength velocity field. We use continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements from a properly distributed set of stations to perform a pre-filtering operation of the available DInSAR interferograms. In particular, the GPS measurements are used to estimate the secular velocity signal, approximated by a spatial ramp within the azimuth-range radar imaging plane; the phase ramps derived from the GPS data are then subtracted from the available set of DInSAR interferograms. This pre-filtering step allows us to compensate for the major component of the long-wavelength range change that, within the SBAS procedure, might be wrongly interpreted and filtered out as orbital phase ramps. With this correction, the final results are obtained by simply adding the pre-filtered long-wavelength deformation signal to the SBAS retrieved time series. The proposed approach has been applied to a set of ERS-1/2 SAR data acquired during the 1992–2006 time interval over a 200?×?200?km area around the Coachella Valley section of the San Andreas Fault in Southern California, USA. We present results of the comparison between the SBAS and the Line Of Sight (LOS)—projected GPS time series of the USGC/PBO network, as well as the mean LOS velocity fields derived using SBAS, GPS and stacking techniques. Our analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of the presented approach and provides a quantitative assessment of the accuracy of DInSAR measurements of interseismic deformation in a tectonically active area.     

Analysis of Ground Deformation Detected Using the SBAS-DInSAR Technique in Umbria, Central Italy

Ground deformation affecting the Umbria region (central Italy) in the 9-year period from 1992 to 2000 was investigated through multi-temporal Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (DInSAR). For the purpose, the Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) technique was adopted, which allows studying the temporal evolution of the detected deformation at two spatial scales: a low-resolution (regional) scale, and a full-resolution (local) scale. For the analysis, SAR data acquired by the European Remote Sensing (ERS-1/2) satellites along ascending and descending orbits were used. The detected deformation was analysed to investigate its relevance to geophysical, geomorphologic, and human-induced processes that may result in hazardous conditions to the population of Umbria. Low-resolution deformation data were used to: (i) determine the amount of displacement caused by the Umbria-Marche earthquake sequence from September 1997 to April 1998 in the Foligno area, (ii) determine the number and percentage of the known landslides that can be monitored by the DInSAR technology in the investigated area, and (iii) identify and measure subsidence induced by exploitation of a confined aquifer in the Valle Umbra. Results indicate that earthquakes moved through the Foligno area westwards up to 3.9 cm and with an uplift reaching 1.7 cm. Intersection in a GIS of the low-resolution deformation maps with a detailed landslide inventory map allowed the determination that the portion of landslides that can be monitored by the SBAS-DInSAR technique in Umbria ranges from 2.7% to 3.4%, and the percentage of the total landslide area ranges from 10.4% to 12.8%. In the Valle Umbra, a dependency was found between the time and the amount of detected ground deformation, and the record of water withdrawal. The full-resolution deformation data were used to investigate the movement of the Ivancich landslide, in the Assisi Municipality. Joint analysis of the spatial and the temporal characteristics of the ground displacement allowed the formulation of a hypothesis on the landslide geometry and deformation pattern.     

星载D-INSAR技术及初步应用——以西藏玛尼地震为例

近 10a来 ,干涉合成孔径雷达 (INSAR ,InterferometricSyntheticApertureRadar;简称 :干涉雷达 )测量技术取得了令世人瞩目的成绩 ,已成为极具有潜力的空间对地观测新技术。较详细地介绍了干涉合成孔径雷达、差分干涉合成孔径雷达 (D -INSAR ,DifferentialINSAR ;简称 :差分干涉雷达 )技术的基本原理 ,并以 1997年 11月 8日西藏玛尼地震为例 ,通过三通差分干涉处理 ,获取了玛尼地震前后的地表变形场。通过分析可知 ,变形梯度带与发震断层平行 ,均沿NEE -SWW(2 5 0°)分布 ,断层水平错距近 5m ,最大隆起斜距向位移量为 98cm ,最大沉降斜距向位移量为 95cm     

A new approach to the monitoring of deformation on Lanzarote (Canary Islands): an 8-year radar perspective

There was significant eruptive activity on Lanzarote (Canary Islands) in the 18th and 19th centuries, and future activity is a clear likelihood today. The fact that not all of the island is covered by geodetic monitoring prompted the authors to assess the possibility of using SAR interferometry for routine volcanic activity monitoring of the island. This paper presents the results obtained after testing this technique using six radar images acquired by the ERS-1 and ERS-2 satellites during the period 1992-2000. The analysis of these images has confirmed the existence of long-term stability coherence across most of the island: a prerequisite for using SAR interferometry in volcano monitoring. The analysis of 15 (redundant) interferograms allowed us to study both the impact of atmospheric artifacts on Lanzarote and any possible displacements, and to conclude that there has been no displacement greater than 3 cm on the island during the period in question. This result matches those obtained with the geodetic equipment installed on the island. Our results show that the inclusion of SAR interferometry in routine geodetic monitoring, supplementing terrestrial techniques, will clearly improve the chances of detecting any possible deformation, and its broad coverage will enhance the interpretation of any observed anomalies.     

Imprints of sub-glacial volcanic activity on a glacier surface—SAR study of Katla volcano,Iceland

The Katla central volcano, covered by the fourth largest Icelandic glacier Mýrdalsjökull, is among the most dangerous and active volcanoes in Iceland. Due to the ice cover, several indicators of its volcanic activity can only be identified indirectly. We analysed a total of 30 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images with special focus on identifying circular and linear depressions in the glacier surface. Such features are indicative of sub-glacial geothermal heat sources and the adjacent sub-glacial tunnel (melt water drainage) system. The time series comprises images from five different SAR sensors (ERS-1, ERS-2, JERS-1/SAR, RADARSAT and ENVISAT-ASAR) covering a time period of 12 years, starting in 1994. Individual SAR scenes only partly map the glacier surface morphology due to the environmental influences on the SAR backscatter intensity. Thus, only surface features detectable in several SAR scenes at the same location were considered and merged to form an overall picture of the surface morphology of Mýrdalsjökull and its modification by sub-glacial volcanic activity between 1994 and 2006. Twenty permanent and 4 semi-permanent ice cauldrons could be identified on the surface of Mýrdalsjökull indicating geothermally active areas in the underlying caldera. An analysis of their size was not possible due to the indistinct outline in the SAR images. The spatial distribution of the geothermally active areas led to a new, piecemeal caldera model of Katla volcano. All cauldrons are connected to tunnel systems for melt water drainage. More than 100 km of the sub-glacial drainage system could be identified under the Mýrdalsjökull in the SAR time series. It has been found that the tunnel systems are not in agreement with estimated water divides. Our results allow improved assessment of areas of potential Jökulhlaup hazard accompanying a sub-glacial eruption.     

孕震区震前D-InSAR干涉形变场动态演化图像分析

采用D-InSAR技术获取了1997年11月8日西藏玛尼地震前3期地表干涉形变场时空演化图像。通过对干涉形变场图像进行分析,得到了震前积累形变场时空演化特征与震源破裂面闭锁之间的对应关系。结果表明:玛尼地震前10个月孕震区地表形变场就开始出现了与发震断层性质一致的变化趋势———左旋扭动,且随着发震时间的临近,南盘形变加剧,形变中心向E进一步扩展。南盘变形量明显大于北盘,南盘为主动盘。到震前2个半月,断层两盘的闭锁进一步加剧,有随时破裂的可能。从震前1996年4月16日到震前2个半月之间,南盘局部累计扭曲变形量达344mm     

SBAS-InSAR技术监测青藏高原季节性冻土形变

冻土的冻结和融化的反复交替会造成地质环境与结构的破坏,从而导致房屋和道路等地面工程建筑物的地基破裂或者塌陷,还会引起山体滑坡、洪水暴发以及冰川移动等.因此,监测冻土形变对确保冻土区工程建筑的稳定性和安全性,同时保证冻土区社会经济可持续发展具有重要的意义.目前,在冻土监测方面并没有能大面积监测冻土形变时间演化情况的有效方法,本文提出将InSAR技术中的小基线集方法(SBAS-InSAR)应用于监测冻土来获取其形变时间序列中.考虑到冻土形变呈现明显的季节性特征,本文提出利用周期形变模型来代替传统SBAS方法中的线性形变模型,从而更好地分离出高程残差和大气误差.利用ENVISAT卫星获取的21景ASAR影像图作为实验数据,采用改进的SBAS技术成功获取了青藏高原从羊八井站至当雄站铁路段冻土区的地表形变时间序列图,揭示了该冻土区从2007年到2010年的季节性形变演化情况.通过与研究地区温度变化的联合分析,发现所得到的地表形变结果与冻土的物理变化规律非常吻合,证明了SBAS-InSAR技术在冻土形变监测中具有良好的发展应用前景.     

DInSAR measurements of ground deformation by sinkholes,mining subsidence,and landslides,Ebro River,Spain

Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) has been applied to detect and measure ground deformation in a stretch of the Ebro River valley (Spain) excavated in salt‐bearing evaporites. The capability of the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) DInSAR technique to detect ground displacement is analyzed comparing the DInSAR results with the available geomorphological information. The deformation map derived from 27 European Remote Sensing (ERS) satellite images covering more than five years provides sub‐centimeter displacement measurements in zones coinciding with known active sinkholes and landslides. Moreover the map provides the first account of mining subsidence in the area. The measured deformation rates reach 1·68 cm/y for the sinkholes, 0·80 cm/y for the landslides and 1·45 cm/y for the area affected by mining subsidence. The SBAS DInSAR technique provided deformation measurements in a small proportion (5–10%) of the known active sinkholes and landslides. This limitation is mainly due to the lack of coherence in agricultural areas, the spatial resolution of the deformation map (pixel size of 90 m), and the parallelism between the ERS satellite line of sight and the linear escarpment on which most of the landslides occur. Despite this, the interferometric technique provides valuable data that complement traditional geomorphological studies including the quantification of the deformation phenomena, the identification of mining subsidence otherwise only recognizable by geodetic methods, and the detection of creep deformation which might correspond to premonitory indicators of catastrophic sinkholes and landslides capable of causing the loss of lives. Detailed DInSAR studies combined with field data would be required to improve the analysis of each deformation area. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于小基线DInSAR技术监测太原市2003～2009年地表形变场

基于高相干点目标反演缓慢地表形变已成为当前DInSAR技术的研究热点.本文通过融合PS方法和相干目标法优点,采用小基线DInSAR技术提取城市地表形变场,并重点分析了地表线性形变的反演.在此基础上,以太原市为研究区,利用23景ENVISAT ASAR影像,提取了该市2003～2009年的地表形变场.研究结果表明:(1)...     

TEMPORAL MONITORING OF SOIL MOISTURE USING ERS-1 SAR DATA

Multi-temporal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery from the European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS-1) was evaluated for monitoring soil moisture at the Romney Marsh test site as part of the UK SAR Calibration and Crop Backscatter Experiment. A total of 18 C-band (5.3 GHz) ERS-1 SAR images were acquired during the three day orbit and co-registered. Accurate calibration of the backscatter measurements was achieved using calibration constants derived from an analysis of corner reflector target responses. Mean backscatter measurements were recorded for each field and compared with field data on soil moisture, surface roughness and rainfall patterns. A comparison of daily and hourly rainfall and soil moisture measurements with backscatter for different cover types showed that the observed trends in backscatter are dominated by moisture effects. A high positive correlation between volumetric soil moisture in the range 10–40% was observed for bare soil fields. A much weaker positive relationship between soil moisture and backscatter was observed for grassland fields.     

基于方差分量估计的多源InSAR数据自适应融合形变测量

近年来,合成孔径雷达干涉测量（Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar,InSAR）技术在地面沉降监测方面展现了巨大的应用潜力,但受其重访周期和一维形变测量能力的限制,仅利用单一轨道卫星观测数据很难揭示真实的地表形变特征及其演化规律.随着在轨运行的SAR卫星系统不断增加,使得融合相同时间段内覆盖同一区域的多源多轨道InSAR数据成为可能.然而目前普遍采用的多源InSAR数据融合方法均为针对大尺度形变监测设计,或者忽略南北向形变甚至水平形变,容易造成误判.为此,本文对经典小基线集（Small Baseline Subset,SBAS）时序InSAR分析方法进行改进,在其形变反演模型中加入东西向和南北向形变参数,采用方差分量估计方法解算多源观测数据验后方差,通过迭代精化确定权重矩阵,从而获得形变参数的最优估值.使用美国南加州地区的ALOS PALSAR和ENVISAT ASAR数据开展实验,利用南加州综合GPS网（SCIGN）位于研究区域内的9个站点观测数据进行验证,结果表明本文方法得到的融合形变测量结果在垂直向上能够准确反映地表形变波动,周期性与GPS观测比较一致;同时,融合得到的三维形变场显示南加州洛杉矶地区存在不可忽略的水平形变,东西向形变测量精度略高于南北向.因此,基于方差分量估计的多源InSAR融合方法在提高形变测量时间序列连续性的同时,能够更准确地反演研究区域三维形变特征.

     

提取地震同震形变场特征的最佳雷达波段问题研究

利用弹性形变模型, 并以走滑型断层为例, 对地震同震形变场进行了模拟研究。 结合雷达成像几何关系, 得到干涉雷达的LOS向形变场以及干涉相位条纹图像。 对比分析了不同雷达波段(X波、 C波、 L波)以及不同雷达入射角(30°和50°)的同震形变场和干涉相位图。 结果表明, 同一雷达波段不同雷达入射角的LOS向形变场会有不同的效果, 入射角逐渐增大时, LOS向形变量随之增大, 体现了发震断层走滑特征; 采用不同雷达入射角, 其探测到的地表形变垂向分量和水平分量信息量不同, 表明入射角较大或较小时能够分别较好地对地表形变的水平变化和垂向变化进行监测; 同一雷达入射角, 不同雷达波段的干涉相位条纹有明显区别, 波长越短, 干涉条纹越密集, 容易出现去相关现象, 长波长的干涉相位条纹比较清晰。 从某种意义上讲, 尽管长波长的干涉相位反映地表形变信息的细节会减少, 但受噪声影响较小, 抗干扰性能较短波长的强, 干涉像对相干性高。 地表形变表现为长期缓慢的小幅度渐变性形态, 也表现为短期迅速的大面积突发性形态。 不同雷达波长探测到的地表形变有效信息不同, 为了更好地利用干涉雷达对各种尺度和不同变化速率的地表形变进行监测, 需要在满足精度的条件下尽可能地选择波长较长及多样化的雷达数据。     

王艳，廖明生，李德仁等.利用长时间序列相干目标获取地面沉降场.地球物理学报，2007

方法，相干目标分析是利用时间序列多景影像获取地表稳定反射体——高相干点目标的新方法.实验区选择上海市主城区约100 km2 区域，InSAR的实验数据采用覆盖1992～2000年间的25景ERS-1/2的单视复影像.在无先验沉降场模型的情况下，实验结果显示该实验区的地面沉降场在时间范围上跨越8年，平均观测时间采样率约为4个月，垂直形变精度优于5 mm，满足我国对城市地面沉降形变观测的要求.研究结果表明该方法可以用于今后大时间/空间尺度上的高精度地表形变观测.     

Coseismic Three-Dimensional Displacements Determined Using SAR Data: Theory and an Application Test

We present a methodology to construct three-dimensional deformation maps using different parameters that can be extracted using SAR data. We apply the methodology using ENVISAT SAR data before and after the December 26^th, 2003 M_w 6.6 Bam earthquake in Iran to determine spatial quasi-continuous three-dimensional coseismic deformation maps. Two near vertical deformation offset components are computed using Envisat ASAR differential interferometry (DInSAR), while two horizontal deformation offset components are measured using sub-pixel correlation techniques applied to ASAR amplitude images. Using the presented methodology, we combine four unevenly precise independent projections of surface coseismic deformation to obtain the full three-dimensional coseismic deformation field caused by an earthquake. The full 3-D coseismic displacement vector is modeled using elastic deformation models constraining details of the fault geometry and slip distribution at depth. Results from the inversion are interpreted in the framework of the Iranian present-day tectonism. Full exploitation of dense 3-D coseismic surface deformation using SAR data, even for moderate earthquakes, should facilitate distinguishing between different interpretations of the mechanical properties of seismically active areas and within the inherent ambiguity of the geophysical inversion solutions.     

永久散射体雷达差分干涉应用于区域地表沉降探测

永久散射体干涉测量技术可以克服常规干涉方法在区域地表形变测量中的雷达信号失相关和大气延迟影响. 本文对基于永久散射体的干涉处理全过程进行了分析, 基于差分相位的两个主要特性: 沉降信号时序相关、地形相位与空间基线成比例, 提出构建PS网络, 并采用间接观测平差法估计沉降速度网和高程修正网的全局最优解. 实验选取上海地区近10年间的ERS-1/2卫星C波段SAR数据进行干涉处理, 在永久散射体上分离形变信号、高程修正和大气分量, 并最终提取上海地区高分辨率地面沉降速度场, PS结果与地面精密观测成果吻合较好.     

汶川地震SAR形变场电离层影响校正与断层地表破裂线自动提取

针对汶川地震PALSAR观测的方位向形变场存在严重电离层影响,导致准确提取断层地表破裂线困难的问题,本文使用一种基于频率域的电离层影响校正方法,从方位向形变场频域数据中提取电离层信号对应的频域信息,通过建模获得空间域电离层信号,并与原始形变场进行差分运算完成电离层影响的校正,还原了汶川地震断层近场沿SAR方位向的真实地表形变场.以校正后的方位向形变场作为数据源,采用非极大值抑制二维梯度算法,准确提取汶川地震北川—映秀断层和灌县—江油断层的地表破裂线.为验证提取结果的可靠性,引入野外地质调查数据进行对比分析,定量计算两条破裂线间的距离差异,结果表明基于SAR形变场自动提取的断层破裂线与野外地质调查数据具有较高的一致性,利用SAR观测形变场可作为调查地震断层地表破裂的重要补充手段.

     

Land subsidence along the Ionian coast of SE Sicily (Italy), detection and analysis via Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) multitemporal differential SAR interferometry

The paper presents the results of a multi‐temporal, differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) analysis aiming to identify active surface deformation phenomena in south‐eastern Sicily. The study area has been chosen because of its strong seismicity, high concentration of industrial and agricultural activities, and high density of people living in the coastal area. Furthermore, the morphology, lithology and climatic features of this sector of the Hyblean foreland are suitable for an interferometric analysis, providing a high coherence over the area. The Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) multitemporal DInSAR technique was used to calculate mean ground velocity maps and displacement time series from a large data set of European Remote Sensing Satellites (ERS 1–2) images spanning the time period 1992–2000. The reliability of the DInSAR results was tested calculating the East_SAR and Up_SAR values over two permanent global positioning system (GPS) stations in the area, and comparing them with the East_GPS and Up_GPS values. The residuals between GPS and DInSAR velocities were 1 and 0.6 mm/yr for the Up and East components, respectively. Four main subsiding areas, previously undetected, have been identified, corresponding with the towns of Augusta, Siracusa, Priolo, and Villasmundo. The observed deformation phenomena are located within coastal structural basins, filled with Pleistocene and Holocence deposits, except the Villasmundo land subsidence, which is located on the Hyblean plateau. The measured deformation rates reach values up to ?18 mm/yr in Augusta, –6 mm/yr in Siracusa, –5 mm/yr in Villasmundo and ?4.5 mm/yr in Priolo. The examination of velocity profiles, time series, and geological data allows us to relate all the detected deformation patterns primarily to groundwater over‐exploitation. A multi‐dimensional interpolation with kriging was performed to obtain a field subsidence map. A first‐order elastic deformation model was used to simulate the peculiar features of the Villasmundo subsidence. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Recent advances on surface ground deformation measurement by means of repeated space-borne SAR observations

Space-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar interferometry (INSAR) is a well known widely used remote sensing technique to get precise (sub-centimetric) surface deformation measurements on large areas (thousands of km²) and high spatial density of measurement points (hundreds per km²). In this work the recent technological advances of this technique are presented. First, a short review of the INSAR basics is dedicated to readers who are not INSAR specialists. Then, an analysis of the improvement of ground motion measurement offered by multiple repeated space-borne SAR observations gathered by the new generation of high resolution SAR systems is given. An example obtained with the recent German TERRASAR-X system is shown and compared with the measurements obtained with the elder C-band RADARSAT-1 system. Finally, a possible processing of multi-temporal analysis of SAR images that allow extracting ground motion information also from partially coherent targets is given. In this case the core idea is to relax the restrictive conditions imposed by the Permanent Scatterers technique. The results obtained in different test-sites show an increased spatial density of areal deformation trend measurements, especially in extra-urban areas at the cost of missing motions with strong velocity variation.     

D-InSAR技术在矿山沉陷和地面沉降监测中的应用

差分雷达干涉(D-InSAR)测量技术,是合成孔径雷达(SAR)卫星应用的一个拓展。雷达图像的差分干涉图可用于监测厘米级或更微小的地面形变,具有全天候、大面积监测地面沉降和矿山沉陷的优势,本文以武安矿山沉陷和沧州市地面沉降监测为例,介绍了这一新技术在灾害监测领域中的实际应用。