Recent advances in SAR interferometry time series analysis for measuring crustal deformation

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry is a technique that permits remote detection of deformation at the Earth's surface, and has been used extensively to measure displacements associated with earthquakes, volcanic activity and many other crustal deformation phenomena. Analysis of a time series of SAR images extends the area where interferometry can be successfully applied, and also allows detection of smaller displacements, through the reduction of error sources. Here, we review recent advances in time series SAR interferometry methods that further improve accuracy. This is particularly important when constraining displacements due to processes with low strain rates, such as interseismic deformation. We include examples of improved algorithms applied to image deformation associated with the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland, slow slip on the Guerrero subduction zone in Mexico, and tectonic deformation in western Anatolia, Turkey. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.