Application of Earth remote sensing data when studying hazardous geotechnical processes

Relevance. Active development of Earth remote sensing over the last two decades, the data of which are currently characterized by sufficient spatial and temporal resolution for the identification of surface forms of hazardous geotechnical processes and their monitoring. Aim. Study of quality and completeness of open remote sensing data and their applicability for assessment of hazardous geotechnical processes. Objects. Surface karstforms, landslides, erosion and accumulative processes, waterlogging and processes developing in the area of permafrost distribution. Methods. Analyzing Earth remote sensing data. Results and conclusions. The authors have studied the existing methods of application of open remote sensing data for the territory of the Russian Federation in the research of hazardous geotechnical processes and analysed the remote sensing data. It was concluded that the use of open remote sensing data for direct identification of individual karst forms with the size less than 30 m is very problematic, but it is possible to determine the boundaries of karst fields. The use of satellite interferometry data is very promising for studying the karst process. The use of open remote sensing data for landslide identification and zoning of the territory according to the level of landslide hazard is very effective. This is due to the large size of landslide bodies and significant changes in absolute land surface elevations during the activation of the process. This is due to the frequent disturbance of vegetation cover, recorded by means of vegetation spectral indices, as well. The erosion is often determined using digital elevation model. Waterlogging is determined by various spectral indices using multispectral imagery provided by Landsat and Santinel satellites. Water indices can be used to map lakes of different genesis, including thermokarst lakes, and to assess the dynamics of changes in their areas. The use of the Arctic digital elevation model increases the reliability of assessment constructions due to the fact that its resolution allows for large-scale studies. Thus, free access to open remote sensing data and tools for their processing make it possible to assess hazardous geotechnical processes and their monitoring promptly and with high reliability.