Estimation of co-seismic land deformation due to Mw 7.3 2017 earthquake in Iran (12 November 2017) using Sentinel-1 DInSAR

Abstract

A strong shaking with Mw 7.3 occurred on 12th November 2017 around the Sarpol-e Zahab townin the border area between Iran and Iraq. It has a number of foreshocks and aftershocks increasingthe total deformation, cumulatively. In this study, we have investigated how earth surface deformedafter such a strong earthquake and its scatters. Because, the deformation inspection are indispensablefor the safety of citizens and infrastructures. The best way for monitoring of surface deformation insuch a big event is the SAR technique. This system can work effectively during night and day underdifferent weather conditions. The Interferometric SAR (InSAR) allows accurate measurementsof surface deformation in mm resolution. There are several methods for the application of SARtechniques and one of them is Differential InSAR (DInSAR) indicating an uplift and subsidencearound epicentral area precisely. We preferred to use it for sensitive vertical displacement in thetarget area. The seismological data from the observatory centers indicate that the recent earthquakesourced from the NW-SE trending, northeast dipping High Zagros Reverse Fault Zone. Accordingto the results, epicentral area has been exposed a vertical displacement with 90 cm uplift and -41 cmsubsidence in the northeastern and southwestern block of the fault, respectively.