Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment (23529385)35
Land subsidence has emerged as a significant global concern, particularly in arid regions like Iran. Among these vulnerable areas, the Isfahan-Borkhar plain stands out due to its strategic importance and critical high-population settlements. In this study, we focus specifically on land subsidence within this plain. This study specifically examines land subsidence in this plain. Utilizing the precise radar interferometry technique, considered the most accurate method, this study investigates the vertical changes of the Earth's surface in the Isfahan-Borkhar plain between 2015 and 2022 by analyzing Sentinel-1 satellite data. To establish causality, we correlate these subsidence patterns with spatial water extraction data, employing a spatial bivariate relationship model. The results obtained from this seven-year monitoring period reveal that average annual subsidence in different areas of the Isfahan-Borkhar plain ranges from 25 to 45 cm, while the average annual decline in the water table in this aquifer is 230 cm. The pronounced subsidence observed aligns with areas experiencing the highest water level decline, emphasizing the critical role of water table depletion. In summary, our study underscores the need for sustainable water management practices to mitigate land subsidence risks in this strategically vital region. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.
