Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and its application to ground movement at Taroona, Tasmania

Arturo Velasco

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is a remote sensing technique that utilizes radar signals to measure ground-surface displacement with high precision. By analyzing phase differences between radar images acquired at different times, InSAR enables the detection of ground deformation over large areas. This capability is particularly valuable in the study of creeping landslides, as it allows for the identification and monitoring of complex, slow to extremely slow slope movement. It can provide critical spatial and multi-temporal data for risk analysis and mitigation efforts, an achievement that is often challenging and cost-inefficient with conventional ground-based methods.

InSAR’s ability to detect subtle surface movements makes it an essential tool for assessing landslide-prone regions. By capturing ground displacement trends over time, it helps identify active deformation zones, estimate movement rates, and evaluate hazards. The technique is non-invasive, cost-effective, and provides consistent observations, making it advantageous for long-term landslide monitoring. Free and open satellite constellations such as Sentinel-1 A/B, available since 2014, enable large-scale analyses in most areas of the world at medium resolutions. In contrast, commercial constellations such as RADARSAT-2 and TerraSAR-X provide higher-resolution data, making them more suitable for specialized studies requiring greater detail and precision in deformation analysis.

The School Creek landslide, located in Taroona near Hobart, is one of the Tasmanian case studies where a muti-sensor InSAR analysis was conducted to characterize the extent and magnitude of ground deformation. By integrating data from multiple radar sources, this approach enhanced the accuracy and reliability of the assessment. The study provided valuable insights into the spatial distribution of deformation, aiding in a comprehensive understanding of landslide dynamics in the area.

Arturo Velasco School of Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Canada

Arturo Velasco is a PhD student at Simon Fraser University, where he applies advanced InSAR techniques to characterise ground deformation and soil moisture variability. His PhD project considers sites with diverse ground movement and hydrogeological drivers, including active landslides in Tasmania. These projects leverage Arturo’s PhD expertise in InSAR, hydrology, and hydrogeology.

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