DInSAR-Based Long-Term Deformation Monitoring in the NW Himalaya: Implications for Tectonic Activity

The northwestern Himalayas, with their complex geological formations and seismic risks, have been the focus of land deformation studies using L-band ALOS PALSAR-1 and 2 satellites through differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR). Leveraging their extensive temporal and spatial coverage, researchers conducted a detailed spatiotemporal analysis, incorporating adjustments for phase and atmospheric disturbances. The refined data, mapped against key geological structures, revealed significant deformation, with phase shifts of up to 6 cm for ALOS PALSAR-1 and 3 cm for ALOS PALSAR-2. Elevated phase readings near the Main Central Thrust (MCT) indicate stress accumulation, correlating with seismic activity. This study highlights DInSAR's value in monitoring land deformation and assessing seismic hazards in the region.