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Ground-based SAR interferometry for monitoring mass movements

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Abstract

An innovative technique for the remote assessment of ground displacements, based on radar interferometry and implemented using ground-based instrumentation (GB-InSAR), has been tested in recent years on a number of selected case sites. The system, known as LISA, developed by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, is a ground-based radar interferometer specifically designed for field use. It is composed of two radar antennas mounted on a linear rail which horizontally slides to form a synthetic aperture. Coherent SAR processing converts the raw data into an image containing, for each pixel, information on the wave phase, which depends on the target-sensor distance. Consecutive couples of SAR images can be cross-correlated to form interferograms representing phase variations which can be directly related to ground displacement along the sight-line of the radar system, since they are acquired from exactly the same position. Several applications of the system have been conducted on a number of mass movements located in Italy, in order to validate the technique for the monitoring of landslides. GB-InSAR has proved its potential for the measurement of the superficial ground displacements of different landslide types, in terms of failure mechanism, materials involved, kinematics, water content and deformation rates. In particular conditions, such as fast-moving phenomena and inaccessible areas, the technique can be employed directly as a monitoring tool, providing multi-temporal displacement maps of the observed area. Additionally, some applications of the GB-InSAR have provided a fundamental support to decision makers during landslide emergencies, allowing the civil protection authorities to assess the risk and to manage an effective emergency response.

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Acknowledgements

The results described in the present paper have been obtained within the framework of several research projects and contracts funded by different Italian Institutions: Italian Space Agency (ASI), National Research Council Group for Hydro-geological Disaster Prevention (CNR-GNDCI), National Civil Protection Department (DPC), Emilia-Romagna Region, Lombardia Region and Imperia Province. The authors wish to acknowledge Mr. Marco Basso and Mr. Franz Muellberger for the radar system installation and maintenance, along with Miss Letizia Guerri and Dr. Joaquim Fortuny for the help in the data acquisition and processing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for the Protection and Security of the Citizen, 21020, Ispra, Italy

    G. Antonello, A. J. Sieber & D. Tarchi

  2. Earth Sciences Department, University of Firenze, Via La Pira, 4 50121, Firenze, Italy

    N. Casagli & P. Farina

  3. LiSALab Ltd., Legnano, Italy

    D. Leva & G. Nico

Authors
  1. G. Antonello
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  2. N. Casagli
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  3. P. Farina
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  4. D. Leva
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  5. G. Nico
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  6. A. J. Sieber
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  7. D. Tarchi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to N. Casagli.

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Antonello, G., Casagli, N., Farina, P. et al. Ground-based SAR interferometry for monitoring mass movements. Landslides 1, 21–28 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-003-0009-6

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