Characterization of Ground Displacement over Mining Sites and Landslides in Lvliang, Shanxi Province, China, Using InSAR Time Series Analysis

Lvliang, located in Shanxi Province, was built on the loess plateau where the loess is characterized by high potential of collapsibility. Monsoonal precipitation, steep slopes, and anthropogenic activities such as coal mining make this terrain even more fragile. To better inform the farmland allocation, village relocation, and resettlement for the local residents, we have to assess the hazard exposure to fractures and landslides across the entire region. Here we use a double differencing method, i.e., computing the differential interferograms after applying distinct filtering windows, to pinpoint high-frequency signals suggesting drastic ground displacement. We further apply small baseline subset (SBAS) time-series analysis using Copernicus Sentinel-1 images collected from July 16th 2015 to May 16th 2023 to generate displacement time series. Our results show seasonal variations in displacement rates distributed on hillslopes. Our study demonstrates the efficacy of InSAR time series analysis in monitoring deformation with various natural and anthropogenic origins for the ultimate goal of disaster prediction, prevention, and reduction.