GinSAR
GinSAR - Ground interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, is a portable system that could be deployed at specific locations as needed. In opposition to satellite-based systems (inSAR), GinSAR can provide better resolution and may be configured to capture horizontal displacements as well as vertical ones.
Satellite-based inSAR provides the capability to monitor large regions and inaccessible areas but has lower resolutions, cannot capture predominantly horizontal displacements, and may not be applicable in areas with very steep slopes. In addition, the update frequency of satellite-based inSAR is in the order of months. The goal of the GinSAR project is to develop equipment for measuring from the ground small displacements of rock slopes.
GinSAR and inSAR are complementary because inSAR (satellite-based) data is not available everywhere, while GinSAR is a portable system that can be deployed at specific locations as needed, possibly after identification from inSAR measurements. Spin-off technology from GinSAR is also available, for example for monitoring of clay slopes and snow accumulation for avalanche warning.
GinSAR will be tested at the Åknes site (see above). An existing Italian system has been tested there within the Åknes/Tafjord project and the results are very promising. But these tests also highlighted the specific problems encountered when working a fjord. This activity is part of the ICG Prevention and Mitigation.