Work

Bridging the Gap: InSAR, Urban Subsidence, and the Imperative for Proactive Resilience in South Florida

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Recent advances in interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) provide millimeter‐scale resolution monitoring of ground deformation in urban coastal environments, repeatedly highlighting the vulnerability of regions like South Florida. This paper synthesizes findings from multiple InSAR studies, including comprehensive work from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These reports consistently identify localized subsidence hotspots and correlate observed deformation with complex geotechnical and anthropogenic factors, including significant construction‐induced settlement. Despite this consistent scientific evidence, particularly pronounced after the tragic Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside, Florida, policy responses have remained largely reactive. This paper revisits these remote sensing observations, examines their profound implications for urban resilience, and explores the substantial economic consequences of such persistent geotechnical risks—particularly on real estate valuation. Integrating InSAR‐derived subsidence data into urban planning and structural health monitoring frameworks is beneficial and critical to enhancing public safety and ensuring long‐term sustainability in vulnerable coastal cities. Ignoring these clear warnings risks catastrophic human and economic costs.

Source: Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy

DOI: 10.1002/jci3.70000

Author: Jean‐Pierre Bardet

Institution: University of Miami

Language: English

Topic: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Applications and Techniques

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,730