SqueeSAR™ monitors surface deformation to identify instabilities on volcano flanks and the surrounding areas.

Ground displacement occurring at active volcanoes can provide indicators of subsurface activity and consequentially risk. SqueeSAR™ identifies surface movement occurring on the volcano dome, flanks and surrounding areas, aiding the identification and characterization of volcanic hazards.

Volcano and Surrounding Area Stability
Satellite monitoring measures displacement of the volcano surface, identifying areas of uplift and subsidence to millimeter accuracy. SqueeSAR™ enables the mapping of surface discontinuities and the characterization of dynamic surface processes, such as dome growth due to lava extrusion and the development of flank instabilities.

SqueeSAR™ provides quantitative deformation data at high spatial resolution for mapping hazardous areas, assisting local authorities in creating risk maps.

Dynamic Processes
Regular surface displacement measurements, together with in-situ instrumentation (e.g. GPS, tiltmeters, etc.), can be used as input to subsurface models to improve understanding of pressure fluctuations and magma flow mechanics, with the ultimate goal of better predicting and preparing for volcanic eruptions.

Cyclic Inflation and Deflation
Regularly acquired radar images allow cyclic inflation and deflation patterns to be quantified. By comparing the frequency and intensity of these cycles, surface deformation data can provide insight into the eruptive potential of a volcano, even if dome growth is aseismic.

Remote Monitoring
Unlike traditional ground based surveying techniques, radar imagery is acquired remotely and is capable of covering vast areas. Such an approach is advantageous when considering the dangers involved with ground based fieldwork in volcanic areas.