Remote Sensing of Surface Deformation Using Multi-Temporal SAR Interferometry

Dear Colleagues,

Surface deformation, induced by both natural processes (such as seismic activities, volcanic eruptions, and landslides) and anthropogenic activities (including groundwater extraction, underground mining, land reclamation, and infrastructure construction), poses significant threats to human life, property safety, and ecological environment stability. Accurate monitoring and in-depth analysis of surface deformation are crucial for hazard early warning, disaster risk assessment, urban planning, and sustainable development of geosystems. Traditional surface deformation monitoring methods, such as leveling and GNSS measurements, are limited by a narrow monitoring scope, low spatiotemporal resolution, high cost, and difficulty in adapting to harsh natural environments, making it hard to meet the demand for large-scale, long-term, and high-precision deformation monitoring. Multi-temporal SAR interferometry (MT-InSAR), as an advanced radar remote sensing technology, combines multiple SAR images acquired at different times to extract millimetric-scale surface deformation information by analyzing interferometric phase differences, effectively overcoming the limitations of traditional methods with its advantages of all-weather, all-day, large-area coverage, and high precision. In recent decades, with the rapid development of spaceborne, airborne, and ground-based SAR sensors featuring high spatial resolution, short revisit cycles, and multi-polarization capabilities, MT-InSAR technology has been widely applied in various fields of surface deformation monitoring, providing important technical support for understanding deformation mechanisms and formulating disaster prevention and mitigation strategies.

This Special Issue aims to gather the latest research advances, innovative technologies, and practical applications in the field of surface deformation remote sensing using multi-temporal SAR interferometry. It focuses on promoting in-depth exchanges and discussions among researchers, engineers, and practitioners, and accelerating the transformation and application of MT-InSAR technology in surface deformation monitoring. The subject of this Special Issue is closely aligned with the journal’s scope, which focuses on remote sensing technology, geoscience, environmental monitoring, and disaster prevention and control—core fields that MT-InSAR technology serves. By showcasing cutting-edge research achievements in this area, this Special Issue enriches the journal’s content system, strengthens its academic influence in the intersection of remote sensing and geoscience, and provides a high-quality academic platform for related research worldwide.

Suggested themes for submissions include, but are not limited to, the following: innovative MT-InSAR algorithms and data processing techniques (such as phase unwrapping, atmospheric correction, and multi-source SAR data fusion); mechanism studies on surface deformation induced by natural and anthropogenic factors based on MT-InSAR monitoring data; application of MT-InSAR in specific scenarios (including urban ground subsidence, seismic deformation, volcanic activity, landslide monitoring, glacier movement, and infrastructure deformation); performance evaluation and optimization of MT-InSAR technology under complex terrain and low-coherence conditions; and integration of MT-InSAR with other remote sensing technologies (such as optical remote sensing, LiDAR) for comprehensive surface deformation monitoring. Accepted article types include original research papers, review articles, technical notes, and case studies, which should focus on novelty, scientificity, and practicality, contributing to the advancement of MT-InSAR technology and its application in surface deformation remote sensing.

Dr. Xuedong Zhang
Prof. Dr. Lv Zhou
Dr. Mengshi Yang
Dr. Zechao Bai
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• radar remote sensing
• SAR/InSAR/PolSAR imaging
• MT-InSAR
• structural health monitoring
• geological hazards
• surface deformation