DInSAR analysis of aquifer compaction due to ground water extraction in the Segura River Basin

Abstract

The aim of this work is to analyze the subsidence affecting the whole Segura River Basin (1900 km2) using Differential Interferometry (DInSAR). This technique is capable of estimating mean deformation velocity maps of ground surface and displacement time series from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images. The processing of some datasets acquired between 1992 and 2008 from ERS and ENVISAT sensors have allowed to detect the highest rates of groundwaterrelated subsidence recorded in Europe (>10 cm/yr). These data have been validated against ground subsidence measurements and correlated with subsidence triggering and conditioning factors by means of a Geographical Information System (GIS). Retrieved results have permitted to improve the knowledge of the mechanisms that control aquifer compaction due to ground water extraction and the associated effects in the buildings and infrastructures of exposed urban areas.