Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) Technique for Landslide Characterization and Monitoring

Abstract

Abstract:The measurement of landslide superficial displacement often represents the most effective method for defining its behavior, allowing one to observe the relationship with triggering factors and to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures. Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) represents a powerful tool to measure landslide displacement, as it offers a synoptic view that can be repeated at different time intervals and at various scales. In many cases, PSI data are integrated with in situ monitoring instrumentation, since the joint use of satellite and ground-based data facilitates the geological interpretation of a landslide and allows a better understanding of landslide geometry and kinematics. In this work, PSI interferometry and conventional ground-based monitoring techniques have been used to characterize and to monitor the Santo Stefano d'Aveto landslide located in the Northern Apennines, Italy. This landslide can be defined as an earth rotational slide. PSI analysis has contributed to a more in-depth investigation of the phenomenon. In particular, PSI measurements have allowed better redefining of the boundaries of the landslide and the state of activity, while the time series analysis has permitted better understanding of the deformation pattern and its relation with the causes of the landslide itself. The integration of ground-based monitoring data and PSI data have provided sound results for landslide characterization. The punctual information deriving from inclinometers can help in defining the actual location of the sliding surface and the involved volumes, while the measuring of pore water pressure conditions or water table level can suggest a correlation between the deformation patterns and the triggering factors.

Technical Note: Use of remote sensing for landslide studies in Europe

“…In order to make an evaluation of the existing remote sensing techniques, the aim of the questionnaire was to collect information about the use of remote sensing in Europe for landslide study and to estimate its actual application in landslide detection, mapping and monitoring. Some preliminary results on the evaluation have been presented in Tofani et al (2011). The questionnaire was designed using a Google form (https://spreadsheets.google.com/ spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en US&formkey= dG5qUzFoRHp3WTBhbmh2cU15UWVYdUE6MA# gid=0) and was distributed in Europe amongst the community involved in landslide study.…”

Monitoring the Rapid-Moving Reactivation of Earth Flows by Means of GB-InSAR: The April 2013 Capriglio Landslide (Northern Appennines, Italy)

“…The landslide, which occurred on 6 April 2013, after a period of prolonged rainfall, presents complex features as it started as a roto-translational earth slide and evolved into an earth flow, which channelized in the Bardea Creek riverbed, to form a large scale, rapidly moving earth flow. The landslide reached a total length of about 3.6 km, with a volume of about 3,600,000 m 3 .…”

“…In Italy, large complex landslides are recurrent phenomena [1][2][3][4] responsible for destruction of assets and infrastructure, and major economic losses. These phenomena associate a combination of the landslide toe approaching the Antria bridge in the Bardea Creek; and (iii) to support the local authorities in emergency management.…”

Secondary Fault Activity of the North Anatolian Fault near Avcilar, Southwest of Istanbul: Evidence from SAR Interferometry Observations

“…In order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, we estimate the mean LOS velocity between 2002 and 2010. Then, we projected the obtained ascending and descending LOS velocities ( Figure 3) onto motions in the fault-parallel and vertical direction using a least square method [35,36]. A uniform fault-parallel direction of horizontal movement was assumed, whereas the fault-perpendicular horizontal component was not considered in the modelling.…”

“…For detailed analysis of the two possibilities, more close observations, such as more dense near-field GPS [36] and numerical simulations [47], are required. However, no matter which possibility reveals the development of the north branch of the NAF, the active fault beneath KL would play an important role in regional tectonic evolution and related seismic hazard assessment.…”