Improving the characterization of permafrost using polarimetric SAR interferometry (pol-inSAR)

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The goal of this project is to exploit the Pol-InSAR (Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture RADAR Interferometry) to improve permafrost characterization. This project is motivated by the growing demands for accurate characterization of the spatial distribution and dynamics of permafrost in the Canadian North and is enabled by the availability of advanced remotely sensed data, such as those from RADASAT-2 and the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) to be launched in 2018. Accurate information and scientific knowledge of the status and future trends of permafrost in the North are fundamentally important. They are needed to determine the vulnerability of permafrost systems to global warming and to design measures and effective management policies for the protection of infrastructures and ecosystems and for the minimization of other adverse effects of permafrost thawing. To achieve the goal of this project, we will fulfill the following specific objectives: develop advanced methodologies to accurately characterize the topographic displacements due to the seasonal changes in permafrost regions by exploiting the Pol-InSAR technology, and carry out a comprehensive study on the prediction of active layer thickness using features derived from data acquired by RADARSAT data. The outcome of this project will advance the research and development of the Pol-InSAR technology using data sets from RADARSAT-2 and its application in permafrost characterization. It will significantly contribute to understanding the effects of global climate change on permafrost landscapes and associated ecosystems. The developed methodologies can be transferred to our industrial partner, PCI Geomatics Inc, for potential commercialization. Ultimately, this will lead to national and potentially international economic benefits. The project will also provide training opportunities for highly qualified personnel to enhance their prospects for employment upon the completion of their higher education programs.