On the use of ERS INSAR data in the ecological monitoring of the Baikal region

The goal of our paper is a study of the potential of ERS SAR for the ecological monitoring of the Baikal lake region, the area of global importance as economical area and natural environmental reserve. The Ust-Barguzin test site is characterized by a very complicated topography average slopes of 15°-25° and appears to be severe examination for modern phase unwrapping techniques, as the area rich with layovers/foreshortenings on the SAR images. In our research we used a set of ERS SAR data obtained during tandem mission in 1997-1998. The coherence maps and DEM of the area of study were generated. A use of especially developed phase unwrapping technique allowed to generate DEM of the area from a pair of tandem scenes. An intensity images were combined into multitemporal images. Study of the multitemporal images, coherence and DEM maps allowed us to make classification of the forested/deforestated areas, the areas with various soils type and moisture. The results of DINSAR processing of the ERS data for the study area with high seismic activity are discussed also. The data collected during field trip in the beginning of September 2000 are compared with results of ERS data analysis.