Tibetan Plateau permafrost evolution monitoring using C- and L-band spaceborne SAR Interferometry

In this study, the permafrost evolution in Tibetan Plateau (TP) was monitored through the detection of the overlaying active layer motion using space-observed Persistent Scatterers SAR Interferometry (PSI). Two bands SAR data, 38 scenes of C-band Envisat ASAR and 19 scenes of L-band ALOS PALSAR data were employed. The small baseline strategy was introduced to minimize the seasonal decorrelation effect. The derived surface motions (primarily in the range of -20 mm/yr to 20 mm/yr) over Beiluhe section, Qinghai, China indicated that human activities aggravate the surface motions, e.g. the construction and operation of Qinghai-Tibet Railway (QTR). SAR interferometry-derived results were firstly cross-compared, and then further validated by the precise leveling data.