On the potential of time series InSAR for subsidence and ground rupture evaluation: application to Texcoco and Cuautitlan-Pachuca subbasins, northern Valley of Mexico

In this paper, subsidence in the north of the Valley of Mexico, encompassing part of the Texcoco and Cuautitlan-Pachuca subbasins, is investigated by using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) time series analysis with 51 ENVISAT SAR images spanning 2002-2010. The settlement map of the study area shows maximum subsidence rates (up to 285 mm/year) coinciding with areas of thicker clay deposits. Both urban and agricultural areas are experiencing subsidence with an essentially linear behavior, and rapid rates are found particularly in densely populated areas. Definition of fissure-prone areas by exploiting the InSAR deformation velocities and gradients is supported by accessible records of ground failure activity. The impact of subsidence on local infrastructure is evaluated analyzing the cases of the drainage hydraulic project Tunel Emisor Oriente and an existing railway.