Session: 06-03-03 Ground Monitoring

Paper Number: 134078

134078 - Linking Satellite InSAR Ground Deformation Data Into Operational Decision-Making 

Abstract: 

Mature geohazards management programs assess information related to ground movement hazards, such as landslides or subsidence, in conjunction with the condition of the pipeline (vulnerability). This enables the development of site-specific risk rankings and intervention strategies along extensive networks of pipeline infrastructure.  As technology and software tools have evolved, pipeline operators are better able to leverage spatial data from a variety of ground and remote-sensed data for improved understanding of the hazard. 

Remote sensing data can be used to identify potential geohazard features, monitor known geohazard sites, and assess the rate of ground displacement. When combined with geotechnical subject matter expert (SME) knowledge of ground conditions, gained through desktop assessments, field inspections, and analysis of in-line inspection tool data for example, remote sensing data can inform the prioritization of next actions.

Over the past few years, many pipeline operators have been purchasing InSAR data and are looking to better utilize this data to support their decision-making processes.  In many cases there is a disconnect between the type of SAR data and processing proposed in relation to both the ground conditions and the specific features of landslides, such as orientation, size and velocity.  This presentation will provide an overview as to to the considerations when designing  and requesting an InSAR montioring program and how InSAR data may be integrated into geohazard management programs and how that data may be directly linked to site-based risk classification to determine the timing of operational actions and possible interventions.  In addition the paper and presentation will provide updates as to current plans from both the international space agencies and private companies for new satellite launches which will increase the ability of satellites to characterize ground motion on a routine and reliable basis.  This includes an update on the proposed NASA/Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) NiSAR satellite, that will collect a standard global coverage of L-Band SAR data that will greatly advance the pipeline sector's ability to reliably detect and monitor landslides in vegetated terrain.

Presenting Author: Corey Froese BGC Engineering

Presenting Author Biography: Corey Froese is a Principal Geological Engineer based in Edmonton, Alberta. For almost 30 years Corey has focused on mapping, characterization, monitoring and management of large, slowly moving landslides across North America and Norway. Corey is the former chair of the Canadian Landslide Committee, Technical Authority for the Canadian Space Agency and Chair of the Expert Panel for the Norwegian Rock Slope Management Program. Corey is the lead for the PRCI-sponsored Appalachia Landslide Early Warning Project.

Authors:

Corey Froese BGC Engineering
Jeanine Engelbrecht BGC Engineering