Advanced interpretation of interferometric SAR data to detect, monitor and model ground subsidence: outcomes from the ESA-GMES Terrafirma project

F. Raspini, S. Bianchini, S. Moretti, C. Loupasakis (), D. Rozos, J. Duro and M. Garcia
Additional contact information
F. Raspini: University of Firenze
S. Bianchini: University of Firenze
S. Moretti: University of Firenze
C. Loupasakis: National Technical University of Athens
D. Rozos: National Technical University of Athens
J. Duro: Dares Technology SL, RDIT, Parc UPC - PMT
M. Garcia: Altamira Information

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2016, vol. 83, issue 1, No 11, 155-181

Abstract: Abstract Land subsidence is a common natural hazard striking extensive areas worldwide, with severe impacts on economy and environment. Subsidence has been recognized as one of geohazards needing research efforts and knowledge transfer at international level, especially when urban fabrics and infrastructures are directly involved in the land settling. Policies and solutions for land subsidence management can be different. Despite this variability, where mitigation methods need to be adopted, mapping, monitoring and simulation of subsidence have to precede their design and implementation. In this framework, Earth Observation (EO) and remote sensing have a major role to play. Satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry, thanks to its wide spatial coverage and its millimeter accuracy, provides a valuable contribution in the management of hazard posed by subsidence-related deformation. The ESA-GMES Terrafirma project (2003–2014) has worked for the promotion of the persistent scatterer interferometry, a family of techniques ideally suited for the assessment of magnitude of surface deformations associated with subsidence phenomena. Within the Terrafirma Project a series of products, based on the integration of EO technologies and in situ data, has been established and delivered to a wide community of end user. Three case studies, outcomes of the Terrafirma project, are presented: the wide area of Rome (Italy), the Anthemountas basin and the Kalochori village (Greece). These case studies have been selected with the purpose of showing the essential contribution of interferometric data during the main activities that must be covered when dealing with geohazard investigations (i.e., mapping, monitoring and modeling). These three case studies are meant to be representative of the suite of services delivered by the Terrafirma project to specific end users with the legal mandated to manage the geohazard.

Keywords: Land subsidence; Persistent scatterer interferometry; Terrafirma project (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-016-2341-x

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