The analysis of deformation dynamics in Guatemala city and its surrounding region presented in this paper holds significant relevance due to the high vulnerability of this area to natural disasters, combined with its rapid urbanization, similar to most Central American cities, contrasting with a lack of InSAR and deformation studies in the region. A total of 226 SAR images from Sentinel-1 A and B satellites in both ascending and descending geometries were processed with the Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) technique employing the SNAP-StaMPS integrated processing chain. The study area encompasses the Metropolitan Region of Guatemala, which is characterized by a diverse and active geological framework, with a historical record of earthquakes, intense groundwater extraction, and local subsidence phenomena, causing fissures and sinkholes. Four active areas were identified in the study area, each covering more than 50 hectares, with subsidence velocities greater than 10 mm/yr. This study provides valuable insights into fostering the sustainable development of this region by identifying deformation patterns, characterizing main active areas, and evaluating associated risks for disaster management and prevention. The results can also aid informed decision-making processes and guide urban planning and resource management strategies in other Central American countries. The application of InSAR studies is crucial for improving safety and sustainability in urban environments and natural resource management in vulnerable regions.

This study investigates the relationships between surface deformations and groundwater management in the Metropolitan Region of Guatemala (MRG), a geologically complex area subjected to different types of ground deformation, integrating five municipalities around Guatemala City. Deformation patterns were characterized through Multi-Temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (MT-InSAR) and compared with groundwater piezometric data. The MT-InSAR technique allowed the identification of the main deformation areas in the MRG. Previously reported maximum subsidence rates ranged from −60 mm/year to −20 mm/year, with local maxima fitting with the extraction well fields of Villanueva and Petapa, in the South basin. Subsidence bowl or depression cone deformation areas were identified and located, similar to those described in the literature for other urban areas, such as Jakarta, Semarang, and Mexico City, among others. This study contextualizes these findings within the detailed hydrogeological framework of the region, highlighting the long-standing generalized exploitation of groundwater resources for urban, agricultural, and industrial uses. Historical data on water wells, piezometric levels, and groundwater flow patterns indicate that groundwater extraction has surpassed the natural recharge rates, particularly in the southern and eastern hydrological basins in the study area. This research identifies a critical need for sustainable water management, emphasizing the importance of integrating MT-InSAR into groundwater monitoring schemes.

The thesis presents a detailed analysis of the use of Multi-temporal Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (MT-InSAR) technology in the management of geological risks in various urban areas of Central America, focusing on three specific cases: Guatemala City, La Palma, and San José. Each of these areas faces unique challenges due to their geology and human activity, making MT-InSAR an indispensable tool for risk assessment and mitigation. In Guatemala City, the study focuses on ground subsidence caused by excessive groundwater extraction. This densely populated and constantly expanding region faces a significant geological risk due to the overexploitation of aquifers, resulting in sinkholes and potential ground collapses. MT-InSAR allows for precise monitoring of these deformations, providing crucial data for urban planning and the implementation of sustainable water management policies. In La Palma, the focus is directed towards recent volcanic activity, particularly along the Cumbre Vieja, has been critically examined. The 2021 eruption, linked to previous volcanic events, highlights the ongoing geological dynamism of La Palma. MT-InSAR technology is used to detect and analyze past and present deformations, facilitating the implementation of prevention measures and early warning systems. Finally, in San José, the research addresses both ground subsidence and seismic activity. Given the location of San José in a high tectonic activity zone, the risks of earthquakes and the consequent ground deformation are of particular concern. The use of MT-InSAR helps to identify potential risk areas and to monitor the structural integrity of the urban environment, improving the disaster response capability. These three case studies demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of MT-InSAR technology in identifying and managing different types of geological risks. By integrating this technology into risk management policies, authorities can significantly improve the resilience and safety of vulnerable urban areas in Central America. RESUMEN La tesis presenta un análisis detallado del uso de la tecnología de Interferometría de Radar de Apertura Sintética Multitemporal (MT-InSAR) en la gestión de riesgos geológicos en varias áreas urbanas de Centroamérica, enfocándose en tres casos específicos: Ciudad de Guatemala, La Palma y San José. Cada una de estas áreas enfrenta desafíos únicos debido a su geología y actividad humana, haciendo de MT-InSAR una herramienta indispensable para la evaluación y mitigación de riesgos. En Ciudad de Guatemala, el estudio se centra en la subsidencia del suelo causada por la extracción excesiva de agua subterránea. Esta región densamente poblada y en constante expansión enfrenta un riesgo geológico significativo debido a la sobreexplotación de los acuíferos, lo que resulta en la formación de sumideros y posibles colapsos del suelo. MT-InSAR permite un monitoreo preciso de estas deformaciones, proporcionando datos cruciales para la planificación urbana y la implementación de políticas sostenibles de gestión del agua. En La Palma, el enfoque está dirigido hacia la reciente actividad volcánica, particularmente a lo largo de Cumbre Vieja, que ha sido críticamente examinada. La erupción de 2021, vinculada a eventos volcánicos anteriores, resalta el dinamismo geológico continuo de La Palma. La tecnología MT-InSAR se utiliza para detectar y analizar deformaciones pasadas y presentes, facilitando la implementación de medidas de prevención y sistemas de alerta temprana. Finalmente, en San José, la investigación aborda tanto la subsidencia del suelo como la actividad sísmica. Dada la ubicación de San José en una zona de alta actividad tectónica, los riesgos de terremotos y la consecuente deformación del suelo son de particular preocupación. El uso de MT-InSAR ayuda a identificar áreas de riesgo potencial y a monitorear la integridad estructural del entorno urbano, mejorando la capacidad de respuesta ante desastres. Estos tres estudios de caso demuestran la versatilidad y efectividad de la tecnología MT-InSAR en la identificación y gestión de diferentes tipos de riesgos geológicos. Al integrar esta tecnología en las políticas de gestión de riesgos, las autoridades pueden mejorar significativamente la resiliencia y seguridad de las áreas urbanas vulnerables en Centroamérica.

DESCRIPCIÓN DEL PROYECTO DE TESIS DOCTORAL: APLICACIÓN DE LA TECNOLOGIA DINSAR A LA PREVENCION DE LOS RIESGOS GEOLOGICOS NATURALES E INDUCIDOS EN CIUDADES E INFRAESTRUCTURAS PRIORITARIAS DE CENTROAMÉRICA