Application of InSAR to Subsidence Monitoring in the Geothermal Fields of Imperial Valley, California

Abstract

This is a preliminary report on a new project that will be initiated in the summer of 2006. We will be applying interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) to the monitoring of surface subsidence that may result from the increase of geothermal production over the next decade in the Imperial Valley of southern California. Compared with time-consuming and expensive land-based methods for detecting and mapping surface deformation, InSAR is a cost-effective technique that can assure semi-continuous monitoring of large areas. The SAR data are collected through remote sensing from spaceborne and airborne platforms. In this project we will collaborate with participants from Sandia National Laboratories, General Atomics Reconnaissance Systems, and San Diego State University. We will also collaborate closely with the geothermal industry operating the geothermal fields in Imperial Valley. We expect that our InSAR results will demonstrate economic viability, ease of application, and efficient feedback to the geothermal operators in their monitoring and mitigation efforts.