| The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah is a unique geologic region in which gravitationally induced extension can be observed. Prior to our study, knowledge of Canyonlands deformation rates was limited to long term geologic averages between 2 mm/yr and 2 cm/yr that assumed spatial and temporal uniformity. Our research utilizes two geodetic techniques, Global Positioning System (GPS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), to observe a clearer picture of current deformation rates across the entire study area. Results indicate relative regional subsidence of up to 3 mm/yr within the graben system. The interferograms additionally show spatially varied rates of horizontal deformation, with a maximum rate of deformation (6 mm/yr) near the eastern margin of the faulted region. Observations of deformation along several profiles support prior modeling efforts that suggest basal salt flow regulates overburden deformation. |
