SURFACE DEFORMATION AT ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND MEASURED BY ERS INSAR, 1996-2003

Using a small number of ERS InSAR images from 1996-2003 we have shown that deformation is occurring in Rotorua in a region located on the margin of the active thermal area. Subsidence in the area south of Kuirau Park at rates of up to 13mm/year during 1996 to 2000 are indicated, although the linearity of the deformation has not yet been confirmed. The Envisat data, available from 2003 onwards, will increase the number of images, further reduce the noise and better define the region and rates of deformation.