Work

Vertical and Eastward Motions in Northern Taiwan from Sentinel-1A SAR Imagery

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Northern Taiwan is a tectonically and volcanically active region shaped by plate convergence, active faulting, and subsurface hydrological processes. To investigate surface deformation across this complex setting, we applied Persistent Scatterer InSAR (PSInSAR) to Sentinel-1A imagery acquired from 2017 to 2022. Using data from ascending and descending tracks, and removing GNSS-derived northward motion, we decomposed line-of-sight velocities into vertical and eastward components. The resulting deformation fields, validated by dense precision leveling and continuous GNSS observations, reveal consistent but minor (less than 1 cm/year) land subsidence in the Taipei Basin, spatially variable uplift near the Tatun Volcano Group, and a previously vaguely documented uplift zone in northeastern Taoyuan. InSAR-derived eastward motion is consistent with expected kinematics along the southern Shanchiao Fault and supports broader patterns of clockwise tectonic rotation near Keelung. Our InSAR results show the effectiveness of PSInSAR in resolving multidirectional surface motion and exemplifies the value of integrating satellite-based and ground-based geodetic data for fault assessment, hydrologic monitoring, and geohazard evaluation in northern Taiwan.

Source: Remote Sensing

DOI: 10.3390/rs17203458

Authors: Cheinway Hwang, Sihao Ge, Hong-Mao Huang, Shao-Hung Lin

Institutions: National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Institute of Earth Sciences, Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, National Taiwan University

Language: English

Topic: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Applications and Techniques

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258

Funder: National Science and Technology Council