Using Insar Time Series to Estimate Ground Displacement Resulting From 7.3 Mw 12 November 2017, Earthquake, Near the Iraq-Iran Border

Abstract

To comprehensively comprehend the potential risks posed by seismic activity and the formation of geological structures in areas with high tectonic activity, it is critical to conduct thorough investigations on the deformation of the Earth's crust caused by earthquakes. By analyzing the changes in the crust's shape and movements resulting from seismic events, researchers can gain valuable information on the underlying geological processes and the potential for future earthquakes. This knowledge can help in developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of earthquakes on society and infrastructure, as well as contribute to a deeper understanding of the Earth's dynamic systems. In this study, we use Sentinel-1 interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) images, extending across a combination of two tracks that ascend and two tracks that descend. Two well-known processing methods, LiCSAR and LiCSBAS, were utilized to create the seismic deformation field and produce a time series of 2D deformation. One of the most powerful earthquakes to strike the region since 1900 happened on November 12, 2017, in Sarpol Zahab City located at the Iraq-Iran border. Another series of seismic events occurred approximately 100 kilometers to the south, near Mandali-Sumar in Iraq, on January 11, 2018. These earthquakes were noteworthy due to their intensity and proximity to populated areas, highlighting the potential risks and dangers associated with seismic activity in the region. This paper aims to create a map of neotectonics deformation of the ground along the Iraq-Iran borders from 2014 to 2022 and detect fault activity because of the earthquakes that occurred on November 12 and January 11, 2018, using inSAR techniques and confirmation on the processing, dissection, and applications of Sentinel-1 data backed by field, and tectonic information. The time series of 2D seismic deformation demonstrated a gradual decreasing pattern, which corresponded well with the distribution of aftershocks. The results show that the deformation for the Sarpol Zahab region extends to an area of 70 km2 and 90 km2, the greatest line-of-sight displacement of horizontal deformation is 20 cm and vertical displacement is 100 cm uplifting and 35 cm subsidence. The results of deformation for the Mandali-Sumar region extend to an area of 27 km2 and 23 km2, the greatest line of sight displacement of horizontal deformation is 5 cm and vertical displacement is 20 cm uplifting and 5 cm subsidence for ascending and descending data, respectively. The outcomes of this research will provide valuable insights into the investigation of tectonic events occurring in the region.