Soil fracturing identification in Southern Zona Metropolitana del Valle de Mexico by means of multi-pass InSAR and GPR

In the Zona Metropolitana del Valle de Mexico (ZMVM), subsidence and its associated phenomena represent a critical problem in the region. Particularly, soil fracturing constantly threatens infrastructure and water quality. Thus, monitoring its occurrence and propagation is paramount. In this work a methodology of analysis that allows identification of soil fractures and understanding of their dynamics is applied to the Peñon del Marqués area, southern ZMVM, where notable subsidence and associated fracturing take place. Ground Penetrating Radar (GRP) and InSAR temporal deformation evolution profiles are integrated to interpret the phenomena acting and interacting in this area. The present investigation indicates that profiles based on InSAR time series can be effectively exploited to identify soil fractures and the sliding mechanism in the area.