Radar Interferometry from two synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images can be used to map the earth surface deformation associated with various tectonic processes. One important application of the InSAR is to study the earthquake deformation, including both the coseismic and the postseismic deformation. The InSAR measurements complement GPS data in such a way that it provides a spatially continuous mapping of the surface deformation. Therefor, InSAR is useful to constrain the earthquake source parameters and to estimate the earthquake hazards. In this project, I would use radar images to produce radar interferograms to investigate either the coseismic or the postseismic deformation associated with three interesting earthquakes. These earthquakes and the available SAR data for each event are shortly described bellow.

(1) Coseismic deformation of three intermediate depth slab earthquakes in Washington. (from PNSN). Md 5.8 depth 40.7 km on 3 July 1999, Nisqually earthquake Md 6.8 depth 52 km on 28 Feb 2001, Md5.0 depth 40.7 on 10 June 2001. The Nisqually earthquake has been studied using InSAR, and I would try to produce interferograms for the other two slab events as well as the Nisqually earthquake (different data). The available SAR scenes and potential interferograms for these there earthquakes are 6,6,7 and 3,3,4 respectively. Potential challenge for this work is that the surface deformation is subtle and might not be seen from InSAR.

(2) Coseismic deformation of an Md 5.4 crustal earthquake (depth 4.4 km) on 3 May 1996 in eastern Duvall, Washington. This earthquake occurred at shallow crust, and the coseismic surface deformation of this event could be large enough to be seen from SAR interferogram. There are 6 available SAR scenes, which would produce 3 potential SAR interferograms.

(3) Postseismic deformation of the 25 April 1992 Mw 7.2 Cape Mendocino earthquake (depth 10.5 km) in California. The potential challenge is from the thick forest. Only data after this event is available, so I focus on the postseismic deformation. There are 13 appropriate SAR scenes for studies, and the resultant potential interferogram number is eight.

For these three earthquakes, I would use the available SAR data to produce radar interferograms. These interferogram would help us to better understand the deformation associated with these events and evaluate the regional earthquake hazards.