Integration of InSAR and GNSS Data: Improved Precision and Spatial Resolution of 3D Deformation

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? A high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) surface velocity map was achieved by integrating InSAR and GNSS data. The InSAR velocity was tied to the stable Eurasian reference frame adopted by GNSS, so that the two data can be directly compared. What are the implications of the main findings? A sharp velocity gradient extending ~45 km along the strike of the Laohushan segment of the Haiyuan Fault, with a differential movement of ~3 mm/a across the fault, was observed in the east–west velocity component, reflecting shallow aseismic slip. Subsidence caused by hydrological and anthropogenic processes presented distinct characteristics in the vertical velocity. High-precision and high-resolution surface deformation provide crucial constraints for studying the kinematic characteristics and dynamic mechanisms of crustal movement. Considering the limitations of existing geodetic observations, we used Sentinel-1 SAR images and accurate GNSS velocity to obtain a high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) surface velocity map across the Laohushan segment and the 1920 Haiyuan earthquake rupture zone of the Haiyuan Fault on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. We tied the InSAR LOS (Line of Sight) velocity to the stable Eurasian reference frame adopted by GNSS. Using Kriging interpolation constrained by GNSS north–south components, we decomposed the ascending and descending InSAR velocities into east–west and vertical components to derive a high-resolution 3D deformation. We found that a sharp velocity gradient extending ~45 km along the strike of the Laohushan segment, with a differential movement of ~3 mm/a across the fault, manifests in the east–west velocity component, suggesting that shallow creep has propagated to the surface. However, the east–west velocity component did not exhibit an abrupt discontinuity in the rupture zone of the Haiyuan earthquake. Subsidence caused by anthropogenic and hydrological processes in the region, such as groundwater extraction, coal mining, and hydrologic effects, exhibited distinct distribution characteristics in the vertical velocity component. Our study provides valuable insights into the crustal movement in this region.