Present-Day Surface Deformation of Sicily Derived From Sentinel-1 InSAR Time-Series

TL;DR

This study uses Sentinel-1 InSAR time-series data from 2015 to 2020 to map surface deformation across Sicily, revealing uplift, seismic activity, and transient processes like volcanic and anthropogenic ground movements with high spatial resolution.

Contribution

It provides a high-resolution, island-wide surface deformation map of Sicily using Sentinel-1 InSAR data, integrating GNSS data for 3D velocity conversion, and captures transient processes including volcanic and anthropogenic effects.

Findings

Uplift of about 1.5 mm/yr in the Nebrodi-Peloritani range

Detected long-wavelength eastward down-bending of the eastern margin

Observed transient volcanic and anthropogenic ground movements

Abstract

The Quaternary geodynamics of the Central Mediterranean region is controlled by the migration of narrow orogenic belts within the slow Nubia-Eurasia plate convergence. As testified by the occurrence of major volcanic and seismic events, the Eastern Sicilian Margin is presently one of the most active regions. Using a Permanent-Scatterer approach, we process Sentinel-1 satellite images acquired from 2015 to 2020 to provide an island-wide quantification of surface displacements at a high spatiotemporal resolution. We then convert the calculated mean surface velocities along the ascending and descending satellite line of sight into the ITRF2014 reference frame by using GNSS velocity data derived from regional stations. The resulting pseudo-3D velocity field mainly highlights a general uplift of about $1.5 \pm 0.5$ mm/yr of the Nebrodi-Peloritani range and its differential motion with respect to mainland Sicily along the Cefal\`u-Etna seismic zone. Permanent/Persistent-Scatterer (PS) vertical velocities in the Eastern Hyblean region reveal a long wavelength eastward down-bending of the margin, including the inferred epicentral area of the 1693 Noto earthquake. Compared to Quaternary coastal uplift rates, these results confirm the relative low activity of Western Sicily, a potential slow uplift of South-Central Sicily and a significant discrepancy along the Eastern Hyblean margin were PS-derived vertical velocities that appear 2-3 mm/yr lower than the Quaternary rates. Over the 2015--2020 timespan, transient processes are also captured, notably on Mount Etna, showing both magmatic pressurization uplift and collapse of the eastern flank, but also all over Sicily where numerous gravitational mass movements and anthropogenic ground subsidence are detected.