Retrieving the Kinematic Process of Repeated-Mining-Induced Landslides by Fusing SAR/InSAR Displacement, Logistic Model, and Probability Integral Method

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The article considers the possibility of remote monitoring of surface displacements in the field of mining with the use of InSAR methods. In this study, the Tenqing landslide in Shuicheng, Guizhou, China was selected as the study area. Two methods were used together for the assessment: SAR offset tracking and interferometric phase. Subsequently, a multi-segment logistic model is proposed to simulate the temporary effect caused by repeated mining operations. Next, a simplified method of the probability integral (SPIM) is used to change the geometry of a mining tunnel and to separate the displacement of mine workings during subsidence and landslide.
The technical approach presented in this study provides new information for monitoring and modeling the consequences of repeated landslides caused by mining in mountainous areas.

However, it is necessary to supplement the introduction with a small analysis of publications that have been published recently and also relate to the joint use of various radar methods for assessing landslide processes.

Author Response

Response 1:Thank you for your suggestions. We have referenced some relevant publications. A copy is given below (Line 55-57).” These advanced InSAR methods have made great contribution to monitor mining subsidence or landslide displacement [12–15], detect the potential active landslides [16,17], or dynamic update of deformation [18,19]”

 

Reviewer 2 Report

The paper presented a study based on SAR monitoring data that followed the evolution of an area affected by mining activities-induced landslides.

The paper is well-written and organized. The geological model should be better developed to comply with the monitoring evidence.

In the following, the authors can find some comments and suggestions.

Figure one: in figure C, two mountains are mentioned: HL and FH; I think the authors can add this indication even in figure 1 d and, eventually, in Figure 1 B

Line 142: the description of the geological setting is fine. The authors should consider adding a cross-section with the orientation of strata and the position of mines and the landslides. Cross-sections are usually very useful in this kind of study.

Figure 5: the definition of the meaning of local peak point is not well defined; I suggest the authors emphasize the description of this parameter.

Chapter 3.2.2 -  general comment: the description of the chapter is fine; I think that a moderate improvement in the contextualization of this approach and the dynamic of the landslide could be useful for readers.

Figure 7: the orientation of the two cross-sections in figures c and d are not the same; please, present the cross-section starting from the top to the bottom in both cases (revert to the P-Q plot). Consider also adding the cross-section of the topography to couple the displacement rate with the position on the slope. It could be useful for readers. In figure 7 d there is a strong difference between fusion and SBAS (segment 600-900m); I think this difference has to be pointed out and commented.

Line 306: I think the authors can consider adding additional comments on the obtained results; I do not know the site, but we can find a classic evolution of slides with a negative movement component in the slope's upper part and a positive one at the base.

 Figure 8: point P4 seems to be in the sector characterized by a positive trend in figure 7 but has a negative trend in figure 8. I suggest the authors check this important element. The base of the slope seems to be characterized by a positive trend (figure 7d) but is described with negative values in figure 8. I am not sure I understood the meaning of “observation points”. In line 321 is mentioned that these are the measured points of the time series. The authors can consider adding a brief description even in the Figure 8 caption.

Line 360: I think a difference in the behaviour between HL and FH could be related to a different angle between the strata and the slope; of course, I do not know the site, but I think the authors can also consider this factor.

Line 370: point P4 seems to be in the accumulation zone; this sector usually is more sensitive to rainfall because of the different geotechnical behaviour of debris landslide deposits to layered rocks. I think the author could improve the geological model with a more detailed geomorphological analysis of the studied site; at the end of the article, it is not clear what kind of landside characterize the studied slope; in this article, it is not clear if there are two rotational slides with a debris deposit at the base of the slope or larger rotational slides with a positive movement at the base of the slope. A better geological model can improve their interpretation of the case studied.

 

Figure 11: this cross-section is useful, but I am not sure it can be the right interpretation. The section of the slide is really limited and not compliant with the great extension of the area where SAR data show positive/negative trends. I strongly suggest that the author revise the final interpretation to fulfil the SAR evidence better.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

It's a journal on remote sensing, and the paper describes the use of a remote sensing technique for measuring ground deformations, to - er - measure ground deformations. So far, so good. Although I can detect that the Authors aren't native English speakers, the English is reasonable, and readily comprehensible. Hence, as far as it goes, I recommend publication. It may require some copy editing to address matters such as present/past tense etc to meet the journal's style.

I think that I am always a little disappointed by papers of this sort. For example, much is made early in the paper of the fact that mining-induced landslides kill people and cause damage, so I think I would prefer a case record where the use of a particular technique led to the saving of life, or even perhaps of measures to avoid damage. It just isn't that sort of paper, so it isn't my favourite kind, but that doesn't prevent it being a useful case record of its own kind. 

Author Response

Point 1: I recommend publication. It may require some copy editing to address matters such as present/past tense etc to meet the journal's style. 

Response 1: Thank you for your suggestion. We have re-checked and modified the present/past tenses.

 

Point 2: I think that I am always a little disappointed by papers of this sort. For example, much is made early in the paper of the fact that mining-induced landslides kill people and cause damage, so I think I would prefer a case record where the use of a particular technique led to the saving of life, or even perhaps of measures to avoid damage. It just isn't that sort of paper, so it isn't my favourite kind, but that doesn't prevent it being a useful case record of its own kind. 

Response 2: I totally agree with you. We do hope the advanced geodetic tools can be used to mitigate the geological disasters.