Science

Surface deformation is linked directly to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Observations of surface deformation are used to forecast the likelihood of earthquakes occurring as a function of location, as well as predicting both the place and time that volcanic eruptions and landslides are likely. Advances in earthquake science leading to improved time-dependent probabilities would be significantly facilitated by global observations of surface deformation, and could result in significant increases in the health and safety of the public due to decreased exposure to tectonic hazards. Monitoring surface deformation is also important for improving the safety and efficiency of extraction of hydrocarbons, for managing our ground water resources, and, in the future, providing information for managing CO2 sequestration.

Radar and lidar measurements will help us understand responses of terrestrial biomass, which stores a large pool of carbon, to changing climate and land management. Benefits would include the potential for development of more effective land-use management, especially as climate-driven effects become more pronounced.

The poorly-understood dynamic response of the ice sheets to climate change is one of the major sources of uncertainty in forecasts of global sea level rise. DESDynI's InSAR measurements of the variations in ice flow patterns and velocities provide important constraints on their dynamic response to climate change. This knowledge will help to determine how fast society must adapt to sea level changes - knowledge crucial in planning how to allocate scarce resources.