Mining-related ground deformation in Crescent Valley, Nevada: Implications for sparse GPS networks

Abstract

We use the Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) InSAR algorithm to obtain radar line-of-sight deformation velocities for two adjacent SAR swaths and invert the data for the 2-D velocity field in vertical and ground range direction. The analysis reveals areas of rapid deformation caused by mining and agricultural activities in the Crescent Valley, Nevada, USA. The LOS displacements of up to 25 centimeters during the 1992-2002 period are caused by vertical and horizontal deformation. About 8 mm/yr horizontal velocity is detected 10 km from the BARGEN GPS site LEWI suggesting that the GPS station may be moving in response to the water pumping. In the Basin and Range anthropogenic ground deformation can extend several tens of kilometers from the basins into the bedrock of the Ranges. Copyright 2007 by the American Geophysical Union.