Integrating MTInSAR and Geoscientific Data for Subsurface Deformation Monitoring in the Epe Cavern Field, Germany

Abstract. Subsurface gas storage in salt caverns induces spatially variable ground deformation that requires continuous and large-scale monitoring. This study presents an integrated analysis of multi-temporal InSAR (MTInSAR) and geoscientific data for the Epe cavern field in Germany, based on results from the Forschungskooperation Epe and REWE projects. Sentinel-1 data were processed using an Enhanced Small Baseline Subset (E-SBAS) approach to derive deformation time series from 2015 to 2025. Line-of-sight measurements were decomposed into vertical and east–west components to enable physically meaningful interpretation. A clustering-based strategy was applied to classify deformation patterns and identify spatially coherent deformation regimes. The results reveal a persistent bowl-shaped subsidence structure combined with systematic horizontal convergence toward the deformation centre. Long-term analysis confirms stable spatial patterns with progressive deformation accumulation. The integration of MTInSAR with geoscientific context enhances the interpretation of subsurface processes and provides a robust framework for operational-scale deformation monitoring and risk assessment.