Deformation analysis of embankment dam Using field survey and multisensor InSAR time-series: A case study of Mosul Dam, Iraq

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Effective water resource management is crucial in Iraq’s arid climate, particularly concerning the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The Mosul Dam, one of the country’s largest and most important infrastructures, plays a vital role in water supply and flood control. This study investigates structural displacement in Mosul Dam using three data sources: (1) field surveys with conventional instruments, and (2) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images from Sentinel-1 and (3) ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 SAR images. The SAR data were processed using the SAR interferometric (InSAR) Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) technique. Analysis reveals that the central section of the dam experiences the most significant subsidence, whereas the lateral sections show relatively minor deformation. Field survey data from November 2013 to May 2024 indicate an average subsidence velocity of 2.82 mm/year, with a cumulative rate of 28.94 mm and a maximum recorded subsidence of 97.45 mm. SBAS analysis of Sentinel-1 data (November 2015–April 2024) shows an average subsidence velocity of 2.31 mm/year, with cumulative and maximum subsidence values of 15.52 mm and 74.40 mm, respectively. Similarly, SBAS analysis of ALOS-2 data (November 2014–March 2024) indicates an average subsidence velocity of 2.98 mm/year, with a cumulative rate of 14.37 mm and a maximum of 51.70 mm. Despite some variation in values among the datasets, the annual subsidence rates are closely aligned. All analyses consistently highlight two key findings: (1) the central section of the dam is most prone to subsidence, and (2) there is a distinct difference in displacement patterns (uplift and subsidence) between the central and lateral sections. These insights are critical for understanding the dam’s structural behavior and informing future management strategies to ensure its safety and functionality.