Publication Date:
2021-03-09
Description:
This study presents a Differential SAR Interferometry (DinSAR) analysis and review of ERS (1992–2001) and
Radarsat (2003–2007) data on the city of Napoli (Italy). These data are processed using the Persistent Scatterers
Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (PSInSAR) technique and post-processed by statistical selection and filtering
with the aimto obtain, by combining ascending and descending geometries, the spatial distribution of the
vertical and horizontal (east–west) components of the ground displacement velocity.We identify fivemain areas
of subsidence affecting residential districts and strategic infrastructures (transportations and industrial plants).
These are: a) Vomero–Arenella district; b) Scudillo–Stella district, c) Municipio Square; d) Garibaldi Square;
and e) Poggioreale district. In these areas, the ground deformation rate is between −1.3 and −10.5 mm/yr
and varies through time. In particular, in the investigated time period, the subsidence rate (i) persistently increases
in the Scudillo–Stella and Poggioreale districts, (ii) abruptly increases in correspondence of underground
construction activities (Municipio and Garibaldi squares), and (iii) decreases following the ground deformation
style of the Campi Flegrei caldera (Vomero–Arenella district). More restricted areas of subsidence also occur in
the northeastern, less urbanized, sectors of the Napoli metropolitan area. The subsidence triggering factors are
investigated through a reviewof the available geological geomorphological, hydrological, and urban network information.
With respect to other urban contexts, where the cause of subsidence is of natural or anthropogenic
origin, Napoli shows a multiple association of triggering factors. These factors are: sub-soil excavations for the
construction of transport infrastructures, filling/emptying cycles of large underground water reservoirs, gravity
instability related to local morphological factors, raise of the water table with consequent hydrocompaction
due to the stop of ground water withdrawal, and re-activation of volcano-tectonic faults associated to the uplift
and subsidence phases (bradyseism) of the neighboring, active Campi Flegrei caldera, whose western sector includes
a part of the Napoli urban area. We conclude that in a complex urban and geological setting like that of
Napoli, ground deformations induced by anthropic and natural processes may coexist and should be monitored
for a correct evaluation of the associated hazard and the management of the city planning activities. Finally, the
combined review of satellite and geological data available for different urban districts worldwide is essential to
identify the sources of ground deformation and analyze the time evolution of the related anthropic and/or natural
processes.
Description:
Published
Description:
105-119
Description:
6A. Monitoraggio ambientale, sicurezza e territorio
Description:
JCR Journal
Description:
restricted
Keywords:
remote sensing
;
04. Solid Earth::04.03. Geodesy::04.03.01. Crustal deformations
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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