Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 21, 2025
07:58
Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt
Published on: August 7, 2017
9.8K
The Punatsangchhu-I dam landslide illuminated by InSAR multitemporal analyses
Benedetta Dini1, Andrea Manconi2, Simon Loew2
1Department of Earth Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland. b.dini@uea.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|May 20, 2020
Summary
Satellite radar analysis reveals ongoing slope displacement near Bhutan's Punatsangchhu-I hydropower plant, indicating a larger unstable area than previously assessed. This highlights the need for comprehensive monitoring in hydropower projects.
Area of Science:
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Remote Sensing
- Earth Sciences
Background:
- The Punatsangchhu-I hydropower plant in Bhutan, under construction since 2009, has experienced slope failures since 2013.
- These failures are likely linked to an unrecognized active landslide undercutting the dam's foundation.
- Previous assessments may have underestimated the extent of slope instability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze slope stability adjacent to the Punatsangchhu-I hydropower plant using multitemporal satellite data.
- To identify the extent and evolution of slope displacements over time.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current stabilization measures and inform future decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Differential Interferometry (DInSAR) analysis of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data.
- Multitemporal analysis to track ground displacement from 2007 to 2018.
- Geological assessment of rock damage across the valley flank.
Main Results:
- Downslope displacement was detected as early as 2007, predating the construction issues.
- The area of active displacement impacting the dam site has progressively increased from 2007 to 2018.
- Stabilization efforts since 2013 have focused on a limited area, while the overall unstable zone and involved rock volumes are significantly larger than initially evaluated.
Conclusions:
- Satellite-based DInSAR is a valuable tool for monitoring slope stability in complex infrastructure projects.
- Early and continuous monitoring is crucial for identifying and managing landslide risks associated with hydropower development.
- A broader, site-wide approach to stabilization is necessary, considering the extensive instability indicated by DInSAR.
More Related Videos
06:55Kinematic History of a Salient-recess Junction Explored through a Combined Approach of Field Data and Analog Sandbox Modeling
Published on: August 5, 2016
8.5K
07:14Tracking Infiltration Front Depth Using Time-lapse Multi-offset Gathers Collected with Array Antenna Ground Penetrating Radar
Published on: May 1, 2018
8.1K
Related Concept Videos
01:29Applications of GIS: Disaster Management and Emergency Response
362
Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is essential for risk identification, action prioritization, and resource optimization in critical situations like flooding and earthquakes. By integrating spatial and demographic data, GIS provides a comprehensive framework for emergency response.GIS integrates data layers, like rainfall intensity, topography, elevation profiles, and river levels, to model high-risk flood zones. These layers assess areas susceptible to flooding based on their...
362
01:21Manipulation and Analysis
229
GIS manipulation and analysis functions are vital for decision-making and planning. These activities range from data retrieval tasks, such as selecting information based on specific criteria, to advanced analytical techniques that address complex spatial problems.One critical GIS analysis method is overlaying, which combines multiple data layers to examine impacts. For example, overlaying a river-dammed lake boundary with road networks can identify affected infrastructure. Another common...
229
01:17Design Example: Analyzing Capacity Contours for Flood Risk Assessment
236
Flood risk assessment involves careful planning and analysis to ensure the safety of communities near water retention structures. Capacity contours are a vital tool in this process, as they illustrate the potential spread of water at specific levels in a given area. In the context of building a bund across a small valley, these contours play a critical role in evaluating the safety of nearby residential areas.In this example, the bund is intended to store stormwater in the valley. The engineers...
236
01:30Thematic Layering in GIS
238
In the past, planning projects such as schools or public facilities required extensive manual effort to gather and compile data. Information such as property boundaries, soil characteristics, road networks, zoning regulations, and flood zones had to be sourced individually from courthouses, utility providers, and registry offices. Assembling these datasets into a coherent format often took several months, delaying project timelines.The introduction of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)...
238
01:19Design Example: Maintaining Level of an Embankment
325
Constructing a roadway embankment over uneven terrain requires precise leveling to ensure stability and proper drainage. Surveyors use a leveling instrument and staff to calculate ground elevations and determine the required fill material at each point along the embankment alignment.The process begins by positioning a leveling instrument near a benchmark with a known elevation. A backsight reading establishes the instrument height, which serves as a reference for subsequent measurements. A...
325
01:03Precipitation Gravimetry
12.4K
Precipitation gravimetry is based on converting an analyte into a sparingly soluble precipitate, which is separated by filtration and weighed. An ideal precipitate should be pure, insoluble, of known composition, and easily filtered from the reaction mixture.
In determining nickel by gravimetric analysis, a precipitant of ethanolic dimethylglyoxime is added to a hot nickel salt solution. This is quickly followed by the dropwise addition of dilute ammonia solution until precipitation occurs. A...
In determining nickel by gravimetric analysis, a precipitant of ethanolic dimethylglyoxime is added to a hot nickel salt solution. This is quickly followed by the dropwise addition of dilute ammonia solution until precipitation occurs. A...
12.4K