An Integrated InSAR-Borehole Inclinometer-Numerical Modeling Approach to the Assessment of a Slow-Moving Landslide

Abstract

We use results of satellite-based interferometric synthetic aperture radar, Global Positioning System, and borehole inclinometer data to constrain numerical models that improve understanding of slope deformation at the Alexandria landslide, British Columbia, Canada. Surface monitoring data and borehole slope inclinometer measurements provide important insight into the slope failure mechanism. We initially analyzed the data in a geographic information system (GIS) to create thematic maps of the landslide area (hillshade, slope, and aspect), to identify key geological features, and to produce an engineering geomorphology map of the landslide. The monitoring data and the geological/engineering geomorphological models provide important constraints for two-dimensional landslide limit equilibrium and finite difference analyses. The initial limit equilibrium analysis improved understanding of the sliding surfaces. The finite difference models were then used to simulate and investigate the potential slope deformation mechanism. The combined slope monitoring/modeling results show that the Alexandria landslide is a slow-moving, multiple-block, retrogressive slope failure. The close agreement between the limit equilibrium and finite difference analyses, together with the satellite and ground-based slope monitoring and GIS data, highlight the importance of using a multidisciplinary/integrated approach in landslide studies.