Comparison of geomorphological field mapping and 2D‐InSAR mapping of periglacial landscape activity at Nordnesfjellet, northern Norway

• Published in: Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
• Main Authors: Eckerstorfer, Markus, Eriksen, Harald Øverli, Rouyet, Line, Christiansen, Hanne H., Lauknes, Tom Rune, Blikra, Lars Harald
• Other Authors: European Space Agency
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2018
• Subjects: Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous); Earth-Surface Processes; Geography, Planning and Development; Nordnesfjellet; Norway; Northern Norway; permafrost
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/esp.4380; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fesp.4380; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/esp.4380

Abstract The ability to continuously monitor the dynamic response of periglacial landforms in a climate change context is of increasing scientific interest. Satellite radar interferometry provides information on surface displacement that can be related to periglacial processes. Here we present a comparison of two‐dimensional (2D) surface displacement rates and geomorphological mapping at periglacial landform and sediment scale from the mountain Nordnesfjellet in northern Norway. Hence, 2D Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) results stem from a 2009–2014 TerraSAR‐X dataset from ascending and descending orbits, decomposed into horizontal displacement vectors along an east–west plane, vertical displacement vectors and combined displacement velocity. Geomorphological mapping was carried out on aerial imagery and validated in the field. This detailed landform and sediment type mapping revealed an altitudinal distribution dominated by, weathered bedrock blockfields, surrounded primarily by slightly, to non‐vegetated solifluction landforms at the mountain tops. Below, an active rockslide and associated rockfall deposits are located on the steep east‐facing side of the study area, whereas glacial sediments dominate on the gentler western side. We show that 2D InSAR correctly depicts displacement rates that can be associated with typical deformation patterns for flat‐lying or inclined landforms, within and below the regional permafrost limit, for both wet and dry areas. A net lowering of the entire landscape caused by general denudation of the periglacial landforms and sediments is here quantified for the first time using radar remote sensing. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.