High-Resolution Deformation Monitoring from DInSAR: Implications for Geohazards and Ground Stability in the Metropolitan Area of Santiago, Chile

Large urban areas are vulnerable to various geological hazards and anthropogenic activities that affect ground stability—a key factor in structural performance, such as buildings infrastructure, an inherently expanding context. Time series data from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites make it possible identify small rates of motion over large the Earth’s surface with high spatial resolution, which is detecting high-deformation areas. Santiago de Chile’s metropolitan region comprises a Andean foothills basin one most seismically active subduction zones worldwide. The its surroundings prone megathrust shallow crustal earthquakes, landslides, constant effects, overexploitation groundwater land use modification, all constantly stability. Here, we recorded deformations using multi-temporal differential interferometric (DInSAR) Sentinel 1, obtaining high-resolution between 2018 2021. GNSS stations show regional uplift area (~10 mm/year); meanwhile, DInSAR allows for identification anomalous local subsistence (rates < −15 mm/year) mountain sectors landslides unprecedented detail. Ground deformation patterns vary depending on factors soil type, geometry, soil/soil heterogeneities. Thus, subsidence concentrated fine sedimentary cover depressing water table well cropping excess withdrawal. There no evidence detectable movement San Ramon Fault (the major quaternary fault area) observational period. Our results highlight mechanical control sediment characteristics impact processes These essential assess stability contribute future infrastructure development hazard management highly populated