Application of Space-borne Radar Interferometry on Crustal Deformations in Taiwan: A Perspective from the Nature of Events

The orogen of Taiwan is young and active as indicated by the elevation of its topography and dense seismicity. Ongoing crustal deformations therefore cause considerable damage. Taiwan’s high population density means that mitigation of geological hazards has become an urgent task. This paper reviews our recent results using the radar interferometry technique to study crustal deformation in Taiwan. In order to better describe our approach and the limitations of this technique, we have classified crustal deformation into intense and gentle events reflecting different deformation styles. Five case studies of deformation events using DInSAR images have been reported. They are: the coseismic deformation of the Chi-Chi earthquake, uplift of the Tainan area, active deformation of the Hukuo area, rapid land-subsidence in the Chungli area, and seasonal-varied land- subsidence in the Pingtung area. Our results show that this technique is worth developing for future study of neo-tectonic activity and environmental change.