Satellite synthetic aperture radar for monitoring of surface deformation in shallow underground mining environments

Abstract

Surface deformations associated with shallow underground mining activities have significant implications for both the natural- and built environment. Environmental problems include the exacerbation of acid mine drainage and the alteration of hydrological pathways. Ponding water also sterilises the area of agricultural production. In the built environment, subsidence basins can cause damage to high value infrastructure networks such as roads, pipelines and electrical distribution networks. There are also human health-and-safety concerns in potentially unstable areas. To monitor the extent of deforming areas over time, ground-based surveys, including GPS and spirit-levelling techniques, are frequently employed. However, the process is time-consuming and labour intensive and virtually impossible to implement over large areas. It is also dangerous to send survey personnel into potentially unstable regions. High resolution airborne surveys are also frequently commissioned. However, these surveys are prohibitively expensive and are therefore used infrequently.