Detection of winter frost heaving of the active layer of arctic permafrost using SAR differential interferograms

Abstract

Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DINSAR) provides a sensitive means of monitoring small changes over large area. Using this technique, We detected the differential uplift within 3 centimeters in and around the Imnavait watershed and Toolik Lake at foothills of the Brooks Range, Alaska, from August 30 to October 4, 1995. The deformation pattern is strongly related to the topography. By analyzing the existing data of the distribution of the active layer thickness and moisture content, we conclude that the deformation was caused by upheaval of the active layer. The result shows the potential for regional monitoring of changes of the active layer over the permafrost during thaw and freeze cycle using DINSAR technique.