Monitoring subsidence effects in the urban area of Zonguldak Hardcoal Basin of Turkey by InSAR-GIS integration

Zonguldak Hardcoal Basin is the largest bituminous coal region in Turkey where extensive underground mining activity exists. Because of this activity subsidence effects have been experienced in different locations of the city. In this study, surface deformations caused by the subsidence have been observed by D-InSAR technique using C-Band RADARSAT data. InSAR data process of 16 RADARSAT images acquired between 24 July 2005–23 October 2006 has resulted in significant deformations in the order of about 6 cm in the most populated region of the city. The deformation map obtained has been integrated with digitized mine production maps and Quickbird Orthoimage into GIS. According to GIS analysis, there are three mine seams at different levels driven below the deformed zone. Many governmental and private buildings located in this area have a high potential risk of subsidence damage. Also, this area covers approximately 12 km of transportation routes.