Radar Interferometry for Sustainable Groundwater Use: Detecting Subsidence and Sinkholes in Kabodarahang Plain

Abstract

This study investigates the consequences of unsustainable groundwater extraction in the Kabodarahang plain, a region significantly impacted by geohazards, such as land subsidence and sinkhole formation due to excessive groundwater use for agricultural and industrial activities. Over 32 years (1990–2022), a dramatic decrease in groundwater levels by approximately ~41 m has been observed, leading to notable geohazards. Employing radar interferometry techniques with Sentinel-1 satellite radar imagery and the Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP) tool, complemented by field data, this research aims to quantify the rate of subsidence and evaluate the associated risks, particularly in urban and residential zones. Findings from 2017 to 2018 indicate a subsidence rate of 14.5 cm, predominantly in urban areas, thereby elevating the risk of this geohazard. The results underscore the critical need for sustainable groundwater management policies and practices. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of radar interferometry in monitoring subsidence in the Kabodarahang plain and suggests that integrating such techniques with field surveys and satellite data can enhance the detection and management of risks related to unsustainable groundwater usage. This research contributes to the understanding of the impacts of groundwater depletion on geohazards and supports the development of strategies for sustainable groundwater use to mitigate such risks.