The LKAB SAR project is implemented to measure the subsidence and terrain deformation around the Kiruna iron ore mine and in the Kiruna city area. The LKAB SAR project has two components. One is the monitoring component in which MDA (main contractor) provides the SAR deformation maps to LKAB and the second is the technology transfer component in where MDA provides theoretical and practical knowledge to LKAB so that LKAB can produce deformation maps by their own. And Cranfield University and Luleå University of technology will carryout the LKAB SAR research. During the SAR project it is expected to use “DInSAR” and “CTM” techniques to measure the deformations. By using DInSAR and CTM techniques, LKAB can achieve the required accuracy levels during the summer season but it is likely that the quality and quantity of the measurements will largely differ during winter season (due to the thick snow cover). Similarly, areas which have thick forest cover will prevent radar waves reaching the ground and because of that it is likely the quality and quantity of the measurements will decrease in such areas during the mid summer period. Therefore LKAB is planning to carry out a research program to improve the SAR measurements.
Publikationer: Seasonal Variation of Coherence in SAR Interferograms in Kiruna, Northern Sweden; Mine induced deformation measurements using SAR interferometry at high latitudes; Status: Ongoing; Period: 15/08/2009 → 15/08/2013; End date: 15/08/2013