The Space Technology Paradigm: A Revolutionary Role in Subsidence Monitoring

Ground subsidence is inherently connected to internal geological processes, such as faulting, folding, volcanic activity, erosion caused by underground water, subsurface mining, construction, drilling, fracking, and the excessive extraction of natural resources. However, subsidence resulting from the extensive extraction of fluids or gas can occur quickly and lead to significant harm to the environment and infrastructure (Lakhote et al. 2023). As oil and gas are pumped out from the underground reservoirs, the pressure in the reservoir decreases, causing the surrounding rock layers to compact and settle. Severe reservoir compaction and continuous extraction of natural hydrocarbon and resources out of the ground eventually could lead to catastrophic surface subsidence. The unexpected collapse of land surface due to reservoir compaction is one of the most significant geohazards that threaten human life and infrastructure, especially in brown field, where oil and gas has been extracted over the decades (Azar, M.K. 2011). The reservoir studies team faced pressing challenges, demanding innovative-sustainably solutions like SPACE (Sustainability, Proactive, Analysis, Control & Efficiency) – An Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar system or well known as INSAR, an advanced surface subsidence monitoring tool based on satellite image processing techniques. Severe reservoir pressure depletion threatened sustainable extraction, making it imperative to monitor and manage these changes accurately. Effective approach in subsidence monitoring became essential to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the reservoir. With the latest advancement in satellite imaging technology and integration with Geomechanical model and fiber optics, this study attempts to document the ground subsidence in one of the giant fields located in the Middle East.