Detection of Co - and Postseismic Displacements from Large Earthquakes with Alos / Palsar

We have been studying coand postseismic displacements from large earthquakes since mid-2006, using ALOS PALSAR images acquired before and after these events. Due to its wavelength, coherence is high even in heavily vegetated areas or steep ranges. We can estimate slip distribution of these earthquakes based on the observed interferograms using a nonlinear inversion scheme. So far, we could not detect notable postseismic displacement. We recognize possible tropospheric/ionospheric disturbances which seem to be larger than ENVISAT interferograms. In case of 2009 Sumatra, huge disturbance prevented us from the detction of coseismic displacements from the first quake. Despite of these obstacles, ALOS/PALSAR gives us excellent view of coseismic displacements, and obviously superior to C-band radar especially in heavily vegetated areas or steep ranges.