InSAR data processing involved comparing satellite radar images acquired before and after the earthquake, enabling the detection of subtle changes in the Earth's surface. These changes, seen as colored fringes in the InSAR images, indicate the ground deformation that occurred during and after the earthquake.
Areas such as Coalcomán in Michoacán and Tecomán in Colima exhibited significant deformation, with displacements reaching up to 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) in the line of sight between the satellite and the ground. The ground moved both vertically and horizontally, with regions closer to the epicenter experiencing more substantial deformation.
The satellite images captured an area spanning approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) around the epicenter, providing a comprehensive view of the earthquake's impact and the extent of ground deformation. InSAR technology continues to prove its value in rapidly assessing and monitoring the aftermath of major seismic events, assisting emergency response efforts and informing scientific research.
The ongoing deformation highlights the complex nature of the region's seismic activity, influenced by factors such as the collision between the North American and Cocos tectonic plates, as well as the presence of faults within the Earth's crust. Ongoing monitoring and analysis of these deformation patterns are essential for understanding the seismic hazard potential and developing earthquake preparedness strategies.
