InSAR Studies of Crustal Deformation Near Jakobshavn Isbrae, Greenland and Cane Creek Anticline, Utah

We will present studies of two kinds of crustal deformation phenomena using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technique. Jakobshavn Isbrae, one of the largest outlet glaciers in Greenland, has been undergoing significant thinning and acceleration in recent years (Thomas, et al, 2003; Joughin et al, 2004). We use InSAR to measure crustal uplift in the ice-free bedrock area near the mouth of the glacier from 2002 to 2007, caused by the removal of the ice load. We will discuss the possibility of using the crustal deformation measurement to improve the estimation of mass loss rate of Jakobshavn Isbrae. Orbital error correction using empirical models and GPS data as ground control points will also be discussed. Since 1970s, potash ore has been mined from about 3000 feet underneath the Cane Creek anticline in southeastern Utah, using a system combining solution mining and solar evaporation. The barren and arid conditions in this area are ideal for InSAR measurements. Ground coherence is well maintained, even for time spans larger than 5 years. Interferograms formed by using ERS-1/2 SAR data show that the ground surface was subsiding steadily with a rate of 10~15 mm/yr in the period of 1992 to 2002. Detailed results, including time series studies of the subsidence rate and shape and their relation to mining activities will be provided.