ABSTRACT: Characterizing complex deep seated landslide deformation using Corner Reflector InSAR (CR-INSAR): Little Smoky Landslide, Alberta.

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Abstract

Deep seated retrogressive earth slides along the walls of the Little Smoky River valley, in northwestern Alberta, have lead to significant ongoing maintenance on Highway 49 for the past 50 years. While localized, higher velocity zones, have lead to site specific investigation and monitoring, the overall deformation patterns of the valley walls is not well understood. Previous studies and field reconnaissance have highlighted a series of younger, more active slides, superimposed on older, less active slides, lending to the complexity of the deformation and velocity patterns. Differential InSAR (D-InSAR) was originally utilized in 2003 to attempt to characterize the deformations but due to the heavily vegetated nature of the site, there was some limited success in the application. In the fall of 2007 a series of 18 satellite corner reflectors were built and installed over the walls along both sides of the valley in order to provide an array of point sources where subcentimetre level deformations could be measured with a high level of confidence. Radarsat-1 data collection was initiated beginning in November 2006 and is planned to continue on a 24-day return period until December 2007. This paper describes the design, installation of the reflectors, discussion of data trends and overall success of the technique. Also discussed is a comparison of the CR-InSAR results with available geotechnical data collected along the valley walls.

Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology