InSAR Monitoring of High Risk Geohazard Areas using RADARSAT

In this paper, we report on the results of InSAR monitoring of several high-risk GeohazardsLandslides, Earthquakes and Volcanoesareas using RADARSAT 1&2 images. InSAR techniques are increasingly being used for geohazard assessment. Our research has shown that differential InSAR and coherent target monitoring techniques with installed corner reflectors are used to monitor landslide activity along strategic transportation and energy corridors in Canada and China and Latin America. We used InSAR to monitor landslide motion triggered by permafrost melt in the Canadian arctic, debris flows, rock avalanche, and deep-seated landslides in mountainous areas in Canada China and Venezuela. RADARSAT InSAR images have also been used to monitor seismically active areas in Canada, as well as volcanic areas in Japan. The results of these case studies will provide guidelines for the uses on advanced SAR techniques for disaster mitigation related to geohazards Our planned RADARSAT Constellation will also provide the rapid revisit for frequent monitoring of high risk geohazards sites. RADARSAT Constellation is a low cost, high revisit mission scheduled to be launched in 2013. The Constellation will provide daily global coverage at 50m resolution. The satellites are equally spaced in same orbit to provide 2 to 4-day InSAR monitoring. In addition, its 3 meter resolution, dual polarization capability will support SAR mapping programs in agriculture, forestry, mapping and disaster monitoring.