Integration of multi-sensor MTInSAR and ground-based geomatic data for the analysis of non-linear displacements affecting the urban area of Chieuti, Italy

Slow instability phenomena can turn into rapid events, showing sudden accelerations and potentially developing in a threat for structures and people. In such scenarios, an in-depth understanding of the spatial and temporal evolution of the ground surface displacement field becomes essential for preventing potential catastrophes. In this work, Multi-Temporal Interferometry SAR (MTInSAR) technique based on COSMO-SkyMed and Sentinel-1 SAR acquisitions and ground measurements have been used to study an ongoing instability occurrence, affecting the urban area of Chieuti, a town located in the Southern Italy. Archives of C and X-band SAR data and geomatic monitoring observations spanning seven, five and one year, respectively, have been analyzed exploiting the complementary characteristics of these datasets. This enabled the accurate spatial-temporal characterization of the ground displacement field in the study area, the identification of sectors evidencing instability problems and a comprehensive reliability assessment of the detected displacements trends, characterized by strong nonlinearities. Moreover, the multi-geometry DInSAR analysis allowed to evaluate the horizontal and vertical components of the detected motion, confirming the nature of the instability process, related to a deep landslide mechanism affecting the western slope of the town.

Automated summary

In this study, the Multi-Temporal Interferometry SAR (MTInSAR) technique based on COSMO-SkyMed and Sentinel-1 SAR acquisitions and ground measurements was used to analyze the ground surface displacement in the urban area of Chieuti, Southern Italy. By utilizing the complementary characteristics of the different datasets, the spatial and temporal evolution of the displacement field was accurately characterized, the sectors with instability problems were identified, and the reliability of the detected displacement trends was comprehensively assessed. The analysis confirmed that the instability process was related to a deep landslide mechanism affecting the western slope of the town.