Characterization of the giant landslide at Wenjiagou by the insar technique using TSX-TDX CoSSC data

摘要

A landslide map is the most basic element for any landslide assessment, especially for giant landslides. However, due to remoteness and hazards, it is difficult to know the characteristics of these landslides after great earthquakes. In this study, the Coregistered Single look Slant range Complex(CoSSC) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from TerraSAR-X and its twin satellite TanDEM-X are employed to estimate a high-accuracy digital elevation model (DEM) for the giant landslide in Wenjiagou on Feb. 1, 2013, which was one of the biggest landslides triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan great earthquake. Then, compared to the DEM from SRTM, the elevation change can be estimated, and the characteristics of the Wenjiagou landslide, such as the source and deposit area, are highlighted. Based on the estimation of elevation change, the initial and deposit volumes are estimated as 5.09 x 10(7) m(3) and 4.47 x 10(7) m(3) respectively which are in agreement with previous field investigations by other researchers. And the results also show that using bistatic space-borne SAR data is an effective means for timely assessment of the giant landslide.