Monitoring Land Subsidence and Vegetation Changes in the Po Valley Using DInSAR and RVI

In a recent study conducted in the Po Valley near Bologna, Italy, between 2015 and 2019, I utilized advanced remote sensing techniques to investigate the phenomena of land subsidence and vegetation dynamics. This region, renowned for its fertile agricultural lands, has undergone significant subsidence, primarily due to human activities such as groundwater extraction and urban expansion.

Utilizing Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) and Radar Vegetation Index (RVI) analysis, the study offered detailed insights into the subsidence patterns and their impacts on both the environment and human infrastructure. By employing Sentinel-1 SAR data, we generated displacement maps that provided a visual and quantitative assessment of land movement across the region. These maps are crucial for understanding the correlation between subsidence and various anthropogenic activities.

Moreover, the study delved into vegetation changes using the Radar Vegetation Index (RVI). This analysis was crucial in understanding how changes in vegetation cover corresponded with subsidence events. By comparing RVI maps from 2015 and 2019, we identified areas where vegetation density decreased, likely influenced by land subsidence and changes in land use due to urban development.

The results from this comprehensive study underscore the intricate relationship between land subsidence and vegetation dynamics. They highlight the need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate the impacts of these changes. The findings are valuable for local policymakers, urban planners, and environmental scientists involved in regional planning and conservation efforts.