Watching the Mountain: How Radar Keeps High Altitude Landfills Safe

In the high mountains of Sangri County, Tibet, a special kind of radar was used to keep an eye on a high-altitude landfill. This radar, known as InSAR, helps to monitor the stability of the landfill's slopes. The challenge? High-altitude areas have unique weather conditions, like temperature changes and heavy rainfall, which can affect the radar's readings. So, the InSAR model was improved to deal with these issues. To check if the InSAR was working well, its measurements were compared with another type of measurement called GNSS RTK. The results? The InSAR model was very accurate, with an average error of just 0. 28 millimeters. Two different techniques were used with the InSAR: D-InSAR and SBAS-InSAR. These techniques helped to monitor and assess any deformation, or change, in the landfill's slopes. The study found that when rainfall exceeds 300 millimeters, the slope displacement can reach a concerning level, hitting what's known as the blue warning threshold. From 2018 to 2022, the landfill's deformation rate ranged from 0 to -9. 00 millimeters per year. This was classified as a slip category VII, which means there was significant movement during the rainy season. However, during dry periods, the slope remained stable. This shows that rainfall is a big factor in causing slope deformation. The study also found a delay in the landfill's response to rainfall, known as a hysteresis effect. This means that the landfill doesn't immediately react to rain; there's a slight delay. The good news is that InSAR technology provides a comprehensive and dynamic way to monitor high-altitude slopes. This makes it a useful tool for managing slope stability in challenging environments. It's like having a watchful eye on the mountain, ensuring safety and stability. The study's findings are important for understanding how high-altitude landfills behave and how to manage them safely. But it's also important to consider the broader context. High-altitude areas are often remote and harsh, making monitoring and management even more challenging. This is where technology like InSAR comes in, providing a way to keep an eye on things from afar. The study also raises questions about the long-term effects of climate change. As temperatures rise and rainfall patterns change, how will high-altitude landfills be affected? This is something that future research will need to explore. In the meantime, the use of InSAR technology in Sangri County serves as a reminder of the power of innovation in tackling environmental challenges. It's a testament to human ingenuity and our ability to adapt and overcome.