Using InSAR Time Series to Estimate Ground Displacement Resulting From 7.3Mw 12 November 2017, Earthquake, Near the Iraq-Iran Border

To comprehensively comprehend the potential risks posed by seismic activity and the formation of geological structures in areas with high tectonic activity, it is critical to conduct thorough investigations on the deformation of the Earth's crust caused by earthquakes. By analyzing the changes in the crust's shape and movements resulting from seismic events, researchers can gain valuable information on the underlying geological processes and the potential for future earthquakes. This knowledge can help in developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of earthquakes on society and infrastructure, as well as contribute to a deeper understanding of the Earth's dynamic systems. In this study, we use Sentinel-1 interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) images, spanning two ascending and two descending tracks. To construct the seismic deformation field and obtain a time series of 2D deformation, we used two established processing systems LiCSAR and LiCSBAS. One of the most powerful earthquakes to strike the region since 1900 happened on November 12, 2017, in Sarpol Zahab City located at the Iraq-Iran border. Another series of seismic events occurred approximately 100 kilometers to the south, near Mandali-Sumar in Iraq, on January 11, 2018. These earthquakes were noteworthy due to their intensity and proximity to populated areas, highlighting the potential risks and dangers associated with seismic activity in the region.