Time-Series Deformation and Kinematic Characteristics of a Thaw Slump on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Obtained Using SBAS-InSAR
Based on ascending and descending orbit SAR data from 2017–2025, this study analyzes the long time-series deformation monitoring and slip pattern of an active-layer detachment thaw slump, a typical active-layer detachment thaw slump in the permafrost zone of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, by using the...
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2025-06-01
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| author | Zhenzhen Yang Wankui Ni Siyuan Ren Shuping Zhao Peng An Haiman Wang |
| author_facet | Zhenzhen Yang Wankui Ni Siyuan Ren Shuping Zhao Peng An Haiman Wang |
| author_sort | Zhenzhen Yang |
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| description | Based on ascending and descending orbit SAR data from 2017–2025, this study analyzes the long time-series deformation monitoring and slip pattern of an active-layer detachment thaw slump, a typical active-layer detachment thaw slump in the permafrost zone of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, by using the small baseline subset InSAR (SBAS-InSAR) technique. In addition, a three-dimensional displacement deformation field was constructed with the help of ascending and descending orbit data fusion technology to reveal the transportation characteristics of the thaw slump. The results show that the thaw slump shows an overall trend of “south to north” movement, and that the cumulative surface deformation is mainly characterized by subsidence, with deformation ranging from −199.5 mm to 55.9 mm. The deformation shows significant spatial heterogeneity, with its magnitudes generally decreasing from the headwall area (southern part) towards the depositional toe (northern part). In addition, the multifactorial driving mechanism of the thaw slump was further explored by combining geological investigation and geotechnical tests. The analysis reveals that the thaw slump’s evolution is primarily driven by temperature, with precipitation acting as a conditional co-factor, its influence being modulated by the slump’s developmental stage and local soil properties. The active layer thickness constitutes the basic geological condition of instability, and its spatial heterogeneity contributes to differential settlement patterns. Freeze–thaw cycles affect the shear strength of soils in the permafrost zone through multiple pathways, and thus trigger the occurrence of thaw slumps. Unlike single sudden landslides in non-permafrost zones, thaw slump is a continuous development process that occurs until the ice content is obviously reduced or disappears in the lower part. This study systematically elucidates the spatiotemporal deformation patterns and driving mechanisms of an active-layer detachment thaw slump by integrating multi-temporal InSAR remote sensing with geological and geotechnical data, offering valuable insights for understanding and monitoring thaw-induced hazards in permafrost regions. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2072-4292 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Remote Sensing |
| spelling | doaj-art-2a6da4df4ede4aa29039dc57d9802bb92025-08-20T03:16:42ZengMDPI AGRemote Sensing2072-42922025-06-011713220610.3390/rs17132206Time-Series Deformation and Kinematic Characteristics of a Thaw Slump on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Obtained Using SBAS-InSARZhenzhen Yang0Wankui Ni1Siyuan Ren2Shuping Zhao3Peng An4Haiman Wang5College of Geological Engineering and Geomatics, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, ChinaCollege of Geological Engineering and Geomatics, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, ChinaCollege of Geological Engineering and Geomatics, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, ChinaKey Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Virtual Geographic Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, ChinaCollege of Geological Engineering and Geomatics, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, ChinaCollege of Geological Engineering and Geomatics, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, ChinaBased on ascending and descending orbit SAR data from 2017–2025, this study analyzes the long time-series deformation monitoring and slip pattern of an active-layer detachment thaw slump, a typical active-layer detachment thaw slump in the permafrost zone of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, by using the small baseline subset InSAR (SBAS-InSAR) technique. In addition, a three-dimensional displacement deformation field was constructed with the help of ascending and descending orbit data fusion technology to reveal the transportation characteristics of the thaw slump. The results show that the thaw slump shows an overall trend of “south to north” movement, and that the cumulative surface deformation is mainly characterized by subsidence, with deformation ranging from −199.5 mm to 55.9 mm. The deformation shows significant spatial heterogeneity, with its magnitudes generally decreasing from the headwall area (southern part) towards the depositional toe (northern part). In addition, the multifactorial driving mechanism of the thaw slump was further explored by combining geological investigation and geotechnical tests. The analysis reveals that the thaw slump’s evolution is primarily driven by temperature, with precipitation acting as a conditional co-factor, its influence being modulated by the slump’s developmental stage and local soil properties. The active layer thickness constitutes the basic geological condition of instability, and its spatial heterogeneity contributes to differential settlement patterns. Freeze–thaw cycles affect the shear strength of soils in the permafrost zone through multiple pathways, and thus trigger the occurrence of thaw slumps. Unlike single sudden landslides in non-permafrost zones, thaw slump is a continuous development process that occurs until the ice content is obviously reduced or disappears in the lower part. This study systematically elucidates the spatiotemporal deformation patterns and driving mechanisms of an active-layer detachment thaw slump by integrating multi-temporal InSAR remote sensing with geological and geotechnical data, offering valuable insights for understanding and monitoring thaw-induced hazards in permafrost regions.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/13/2206SBAS-InSARthree-dimensional solutionQinghai-Tibetan Plateauthaw slump |
| spellingShingle | Zhenzhen Yang Wankui Ni Siyuan Ren Shuping Zhao Peng An Haiman Wang Time-Series Deformation and Kinematic Characteristics of a Thaw Slump on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Obtained Using SBAS-InSAR Remote Sensing SBAS-InSAR three-dimensional solution Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau thaw slump |
| title | Time-Series Deformation and Kinematic Characteristics of a Thaw Slump on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Obtained Using SBAS-InSAR |
| title_full | Time-Series Deformation and Kinematic Characteristics of a Thaw Slump on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Obtained Using SBAS-InSAR |
| title_fullStr | Time-Series Deformation and Kinematic Characteristics of a Thaw Slump on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Obtained Using SBAS-InSAR |
| title_full_unstemmed | Time-Series Deformation and Kinematic Characteristics of a Thaw Slump on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Obtained Using SBAS-InSAR |
| title_short | Time-Series Deformation and Kinematic Characteristics of a Thaw Slump on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Obtained Using SBAS-InSAR |
| title_sort | time series deformation and kinematic characteristics of a thaw slump on the qinghai tibetan plateau obtained using sbas insar |
| topic | SBAS-InSAR three-dimensional solution Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau thaw slump |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/13/2206 |
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