Combined analysis of PS-InSAR and hypsometry integral (HI) for comparing seismic vulnerability and assessment of various regions of Pakistan

InSAR-based deformation analysis and the geomorphic hypsometric integral (HI) technique are powerful tools for assessing the susceptibility and comparison of seismic sites to earthquakes. Therefore, this paper mainly focuses on surface deformation analysis associated with the Mw 5.0 earthquake (2019) in Mach and Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan. Sentinel-1 IW data was used to perform PS-InSAR time series analysis. SRTM DEM of 30 m spatial resolution was utilized for the geomorphic Hypsometry Integral (HI) method. The obtained results of the Interferogram indicate the changes in velocity and vertical displacement during pre-seismic, co-seismic, and post-seismic activity. Integral values were calculated using Hypsometry curves delineating the future probability and comparison of vulnerable seismological sites in Mach, Quetta, Ghazaband, Chamman and surroundings of Balochistan region. The combined results of HI and PS-InSAR revealed that Mach and Quetta regions are in between two lines known as the mature stages. Class 1_moderate (0.35 <= HI <= 0.52); with an integral value of HIMach=0.398 and HIQuetta=0.435 with a modest seismic forthcoming rate in future and susceptible to both erosion/uplifting with a vertical displacement rate more than existing +/- 55 mm/year. Class 2_high (HI (>) 0.53) with the younger and more tectonically active region surrounded by Chaman fault, which possesses a future susceptible tendency towards subsidence more than an existing velocity rate similar to 8 mm/year and Ghazaband fault towards uplifting more than 5-6 mm/year. No region of the study area was found at Monadnock: class 3_Low (HI < 0.35) stabilized condition, all sites are unstable and tectonically active. Therefore, obtained results through combined PS-InSAR and HI techniques can be used for the identification of most vulnerable seismic sites and can ascertain future safe metropolitan planning.

Automated summary

This paper focuses on the surface deformation analysis associated with the 2019 earthquake in Mach and Quetta, Pakistan, using InSAR-based deformation analysis and the geomorphic hypsometric integral (HI) technique. The results show changes in velocity and vertical displacement during different stages of the earthquake. The combination of HI and PS-InSAR techniques reveals the vulnerability and future seismic activity of the studied regions. This information can be used for identifying vulnerable seismic sites and for urban planning.