Detection of surface subsidence using SAR SENTINEL 1A imagery and the DInSAR method – a case study of the Belchatow open pit mine, Central Poland

Abstract

Open pit mining hazards monitoring is a crucial task. The paper focuses on the first analysis of surface subsidence in the open pit mining area obtained by Synthetic Aperture Radar active remote sensing technique. Presented methodology of Differential Interferometric SAR provides an excellent data source for mining vertical displacements monitoring. The study was performed in the Belchatow open pit lignite mine in Poland, Central Europe. The SAR SLC imageries acquired by the SENTINEL 1A satellite for the 124-descending track in two periods, between 03.10.2016-15.10.2016 and 15.10.2016-27.10.2016 have been used in the analysis. The post-proceed satellite line of sight (LOS) displacement indicates vertical changes of the surface within the dumping and excavation area. The analyzed region of interests (ROI) shows total subsidence of ca. -67mm, whereas the excavation areas show a trend of terrain uplift during the analyzed periods.