for schools > radar interferometry

Radar interferometry (1)

Radar interferometry is a technique where radar data, recorded by a satellite, is used to map the topography or deformation of the ground. Earth scientists use radar interferometry for a wide range of applications including measuring surface change caused by earthquakes, volcanoes, glacier flow, landslides, and ground subsidence.

At COMET, scientists use radar interferometry to make surface deformation maps, or interferograms, to study the warping of the Earth's surface during the earthquake cycle. The interferograms allow scientists to determine the location, magnitude and type of an earthquake, and investigate the future seismic hazard for an area.

In this area of the site you will learn how COMET scientists used interferometry to study an earthquake that struck the town of Izmit in northern Turkey in 1999. You will learn about:

• how radar interferometry works
• how interferograms are made
• what we can learn from interferograms

Radar satellite ERS-1

for schools > radar interferometry