Monitoring, prediction, and early warning using ground-based radar interferometry

Abstract

In order to define adequate prevention measures and to manage landslide emergencies, real-time monitoring is required. This paper presents two different applications of the remote sensing technique: the ground-based synthetic aperture radar interferometry, here proposed as a monitoring and early warning support for slope instability. Data acquisitions carried out through a ground-based synthetic aperture radar interferometer, operating in K u band, installed in front of the observed slopes, are discussed. Two case studies, based on the use of the same apparatus (formerly developed by the Joint Research Center of the European Commission and by Ellegi-LiSALab srl), are reported: the first one concerns the monitoring of a large landslide, named Ruinon (Valfurva, Italy). The second one deals with the monitoring of the NW unstable slope in the Stromboli island aimed to implementing an early warning system. Acquired interferometric data are processed to provide displacements and velocity maps of the monitored area. The monitoring services ongoing on the Ruinon landslide and on Stromboli demonstrate the capability of this technique to operate in different operative settings (i.e., different phenomena and geological framework) and for different aims (monitoring for prevention, early warning, and emergency assessment). This methodology has also been proved by national and regional authorities of civil protection in order to provide a real-time monitoring for emergency management.

Monitoring and Predicting Slope Instability: A Review of Current Practices From a Mining Perspective

“…Final pit limits are identified not only by ore grade distribution but also rock strength and stability, is it important to closely monitor the slopes of all active and inactive parts of a mine. Real-time monitoring is required to identify slope movement and define adequate preventive measures for possible landslide emergencies [32].…”

The role of the spatial scale and data accuracy on deep-seated gravitational slope deformation modeling: The Ronco landslide, Italy

“…Usually it is easier and more effective to focus on the features of a limited area of the landslide body to develop a local model describing the most dangerous area of the unstable slope (Lebourg et al, 2005;Crosta et al, 2006;Casagli et al, 2010;Marcato et al, 2012). Alternatively, a global view of the whole slope is sometimes preferred to evaluate the potential influence of all features on the mass movement (Agliardi et al, 2001;Apuani et al, 2007;Brideau et al, 2011).…”

Differential Radar Interferometry for Structural and Ground Deformation Monitoring: A New Tool for the Conservation and Sustainability of Cultural Heritage Sites

“…Due to its capabilities of offering optimal observing geometry and a significantly high-frequency data acquisition rate, GB-InSAR overcomes the limitations of space-borne DInSAR, such as a fixed revisit cycle and observation angle constraints. In light of its flexible placement, GB-InSAR can be used to measure deformation in the chosen direction with precision at the millimeter and even sub-millimeter level [10,45]. Furthermore, the high-frequency data acquisition rate of GB-InSAR allows us to detect rapid-deformation data needed in emergency situations, where most of the space-borne radar interferometry systems may not be effective due to their relatively long revisit cycle.…”

“…Furthermore, the high-frequency data acquisition rate of GB-InSAR allows us to detect rapid-deformation data needed in emergency situations, where most of the space-borne radar interferometry systems may not be effective due to their relatively long revisit cycle. GB-InSAR can also operate in areas shadowed or not perfectly observable from a space-borne SAR imaging system, such as steep slopes and north-facing surfaces [45]. Hence, GB-InSAR can be used to perform multi-direction and quasi-real time monitoring.…”

“…Moreover, GB-InSAR can operate in steep slopes thanks to the flexible choices of its installation sites, while the satellite data are limited in areas with layover, foreshortening and shadowing effects. In addition, the retrieval of the actual interferometric phase caused by surface deformation is easier in GB-InSAR for two reasons: first, owing to its fixed observation geometry, GB-InSAR always satisfies the zero baseline condition, and topography-independent interferograms can be generated without resorting to the need for flattening processing; second, the significantly higher image acquisition rate of GB-InSAR largely reduces the temporal decorrelation in the interferometric data [45]. To make full use of these obvious advantages, there are some matters that need attention in the application of GB-InSAR for local-scale displacement measurements over heritage sites.…”