A TerraSAR-X InSAR study of landslides in southern Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia

In this letter, we assess the capability of X-band SAR Interferometry (InSAR) in landslide investigation in southern Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. SAR data acquired by the X-band German TerraSAR-X satellite in the Uzgen region, southwestern Kyrgyzstan, are analysed for landslide detection and monitoring, and the results are compared with field observations and optical remote sensing data. X-band interferograms show several features indicative of areas of active slope movement coinciding with areas of previously mapped landslides in the region. InSAR time-series analysis provides an opportunity for continuous and efficient monitoring of ground deformation associated with landslides for large areas, complementing results from field mapping and the interpretation of optical data with the goal of establishing landslide inventories.

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