Polarimetric Persistent Scatterer Interferometry for Ground Deformation Monitoring with VV-VH Sentinel-1 Data

With the launch of the Sentinel-1 satellites, it becomes easy to obtain long time-series dual-pol (i.e., VV and VH channels) SAR images over most areas of the world. By combining the information from both VV and VH channels, the polarimetric persistent scatterer interferometry (PolPSI) techniques is supposed to achieve better ground deformation monitoring results than conventional PSI techniques (using only VV channel) with Sentinel-1 data. According to the quality metric used for polarimetric optimizations, the most commonly used PolPSI techniques can be categorized into three main categories. They are PolPSI-ADI (amplitude dispersion index as the phase quality metric), PolPSI-COH (coherence as the phase quality metric), and PolPSI-AOS (taking adaptive optimization strategies). Different categories of PolPSI techniques are suitable for different study areas and with different performances. However, the study that simultaneously applies all the three types of PolPSI techniques on Sentinel-1 PolSAR images is rare. Moreover, there has been little discussion about different characteristics of the three types of PolPSI techniques and how to use them with Sentinel-1 data. To this end, in this study, three data sets in China have been used to evaluate the three types of PolPSI techniques’ performances. Based on results obtained, the different characteristics of PolPSI techniques have been discussed. The results show that all three PolPSI techniques can improve the phase quality of interferograms. Thus, more qualified pixels can be used for ground deformation estimation by PolPSI methods with respect to the PSI technique. Specifically, this pixel density improvement is 50%, 12%, and 348% for the PolPSI-ADI, PolPSI-COH, and POlPSI-AOS, respectively. PolPSI-ADI is the most efficient method, and it is the first choice for the area with abundant deterministic scatterers (e.g., urban areas). Benefitting from its adaptive optimization strategy, PolPSI-AOS has the best performances at the price of highest computation cost, which is suitable for rural area applications. On the other hand, limited by the medium resolution of Sentinel-1 PolSAR images, PolPSI-COH’s improvement with respect to conventional PSI is relatively insignificant.

Scaling carbon sequestration phenomena to the earth's surface

We present a computational framework for fast monitoring of fault stability and ground deformation in multiphase geomechanics and demonstrate its efficacy for a carbon sequestration--enhanced oil recovery case study. The staggered solution algorithm for the coupled problem is augmented with a feature that allows for the flow and geomechanics sub-problems to be solved on different unstructured tetrahedral grids. For the field scale problem, the geomechanics grid goes all the way to the free surface while the flow grid is truncated at a depth above which the layers are impermeable. This framework avoids the unnecessary computational burden associated with equilibrating the initial pressure solution in the overburden, allows for a study of the critical interaction between overburden and faults, allows for fast renditions of ground deformation, and allows a choice of resolution for the flow and geomechanics grids independently to capture disparate length scales of the underlying physics.

Sensing Iceland’s Most Active Volcano with a “Buried Hair”

Distributed acoustic sensing offered researchers a means to measure ground deformation from atop ice-clad Gr�msv�tn volcano with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions.

Modelling eruptive event sources in distributed volcanic fields

Vent opening hazard models are routinely used as inputs for assessing distal volcanic hazards (lava flows, tephra fallout) in distributed volcanic fields. These vent opening hazard models have traditionally relied on the location of mapped vents; seldom have they taken into account how vents are linked in space and time. We show that inputs needed to appropriately model distal hazards are fundamentally different than thoses required to model near-vent hazards (ground deformation). We provide a computational model to obtain more appropriate eruptive source parameters (ESPs) for distal volcanic hazard sources and show the utility of our code through three examples. The code's strength is that it links events based on the spatio-temporal relationships of vents through heirarchical clustering. The development of the code and its strenghts and weaknesses are discussed. This work challenges previous ideas about ESPs and we hope this work leads to further improvement in hazard assessment methods.

Linear discontinuous ground deformation detection based on coherence analysis of pre and post event radar image pairs

The article presents information on how to use satellite interferometry to detect linear discontinuous ground deformation [LDGD] caused by underground mining. Assumptions were made based on the properties of the SAR signal correlation coefficient (coherence). Places of LDGD have been identified based on these assumptions. Changes taking place on the surface between two acquisitions lead to worse correlation between two radar images. This results in lower values of the SAR signal correlation coefficient in the coherence maps. Therefore, it was assumed that the formation of LDGD could reduce the coherence value compared to the previous state. The second assumption was an increase in the standard deviation of coherence, which is a classic measurement of variability. Therefore any changes in the surface should lead to increasing standard deviation of coherence compared to the previous state. Images from the Sentinel-1 satellite and provided by the ESA were used for analysis. The research is presented on the basis of two research areas located in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in the south of Poland. The area in which LDGD could occur was limited to 6 % of the total area in case 1 and 36 % in case 2 by applying an appropriate methodology of satellite image coherence analysis. This paper is an introduction to the development of a method of detecting LDGDs caused by underground mining and to study these issues further.

A Solution of Subgrade Modulus for Response Displacement Method of Circular Underground Structures

In the seismic analysis and design of the underground structure, the response displacement method, as a pseudostatic method, has been widely adopted for its solid theoretical background, clear physical concept, and ease of implementation. The subgrade modulus is an essential parameter to the response displacement method, and a few approaches are available to determine its value. However, the existing methods neglect the interaction between the radial and tangential subgrade modulus and the influence of actual ground deformation, resulting in an inaccurate estimation. This study presents a solution to overcome these defects for the response displacement method adopted in the transverse seismic analysis of the shield tunnel with a circular cross section. First, the analytical solutions of subgrade modulus for ground deformation modes described by the Fourier series are derived based on the theory of elasticity. The ratio of the radial displacement to tangential displacement is introduced to create a link between the radial and tangential subgrade modulus. Based on the solutions of subgrade modulus for different ground deformation modes, the displacement fitting method is proposed to derive the subgrade modulus corresponding to the actual ground deformation. With this method, the subgrade modulus would adjust according to the ground displacement. Finally, a case study is conducted to illustrate the validity of the displacement fitting method.

Deformation and damage to buildings caused by ground movements in mining areas (case study)

Human activity causes transformations in the near-surface layers of the rock mass, which result in long-term impacts on buildings and engineering infrastructure. Mining activities are particularly disadvantageous in this context, as they trigger severe deformation processes that reach the soil surface as a result of the excavation of deposits. The prevention of accidents and disasters caused by these impacts is based on knowledge derived from observation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to acquire and update knowledge on the impact of mining-related ground deformation and tremors on buildings. The paper presents the results of measurements carried out on a group of buildings located in an underground mining area. The buildings have been affected by mining impacts since their construction in the 1980s. Despite the implementation of appropriate structural protection, the structures have been suffering deformation and damage. For the purposes of the study, two two-axis inclinometers were installed on the 15.2 m high bell tower, taking measurements at 6-hour intervals. Over a period of 10 months, changes in the leaning of the tower were measured and the condition of the other buildings observed.The study resulted in obtaining: values for the change in tilt of the two perpendicular walls of the tower (over a period of 10 months), correlation of the results with tremors measurements and periodic surveying measurements of the inclination of the vertical edge of the tower, image of damage to buildings caused by mining deformation of the ground. On the basis of an analysis of the location and timing of minefields excavation, the occurrence of real ground movement in the mining areas, continuing even after the end of mining works, was confirmed and irregular deformation of the originally perpendicular walls of the masonry tower building was demonstrated. The tower did not behave as a rigid body; its horizontal profile was deformed.

The significance of the 1971 flank eruption of Etna from volcanological and historic viewpoints

The 1971 eruption represents a benchmark in the recent history of Etna volcano. From a volcanological point of view, this eruption was characterised by complex intrusive dynamics associated with significant ground deformation that induced the activation of the Moscarello seismogenic fault and the formation of a new summit crater: the Southeast Crater. At the same time, the 1971 event marks an important change in the eruptive style and composition of the magma towards products richer in K. It is no coincidence that, over the next fifty years, there would be an increase in the frequency of summit and flank eruptions and associated output rate. From an historical viewpoint, the eruptive event of 1971 was the first important flank eruption studied by the International Institute of Volcanology: the analysis of the scientific articles on this activity reveals a greater multidisciplinary content in the descriptions and explanations of volcanic activity. Particularly important were the collaborations of British and French research groups that, together with their Italian colleagues, succeeded in giving a complete picture of the eruption and describing the state of knowledge on the Sicilian volcano. The multidisciplinary methodology used to study this eruption is still valid today.