TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X data for natural hazards research in mountainous regions of Uzbekistan

Eleonora Semakova; Yves Bühler

doi:10.1117/1.JRS.11.036024

15 September 2017 TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X data for natural hazards research in mountainous regions of Uzbekistan

Eleonora Semakova, Yves Bühler

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, Vol. 11, Issue 3, 036024 (September 2017). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.11.036024

Abstract

Accurate and up-to-date digital elevation models (DEMs) are important tools for studying mountain hazards. We considered natural hazards related to glacier retreat, debris flows, and snow avalanches in two study areas of the Western Tien-Shan mountains, Uzbekistan. High-resolution DEMs were generated using single TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X datasets. The high quality and actuality of the DEMs were proved through a comparison with Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, Advanced Spaceborne Emission and Reflection Radiometer, and Topo DEMs, using Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite data as the reference dataset. For the first study area, which had high levels of economic activity, we applied the generated TanDEM-X DEM to an avalanche dynamics simulation using RAMMS software. Verification of the output results showed good agreement with field observations. For the second study area, with a wide spatial distribution of glaciers, we applied the TanDEM-X DEM to an assessment of glacier surface elevation changes. The results can be used to calculate the local mass balance in glacier ablation zones in other areas. Models were applied to estimate the probability of moraine-dammed lake formation and the affected area of a possible debris flow resulting from glacial lake outburst. The natural hazard research methods considered here will minimize costly ground observations in poorly accessible mountains and mitigate the impacts of hazards on the environment of Uzbekistan.

Citation Download Citation

Eleonora Semakova and Yves Bühler "TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X data for natural hazards research in mountainous regions of Uzbekistan," Journal of Applied Remote Sensing 11(3), 036024 (15 September 2017). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.11.036024

Received: 28 March 2017; Accepted: 22 August 2017; Published: 15 September 2017

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available