Earth Sciences

Advanced analysis of satellite data reveals ground deformation precursors to the Brumadinho Tailings Dam collapse

S. Grebby, A. Sowter, et al.

This groundbreaking study reveals that the catastrophic Brumadinho tailings dam failure was potentially foreseeable through satellite-based monitoring techniques. Conducted by Stephen Grebby, Andrew Sowter, Jon Gluyas, David Toll, David Gee, Ahmed Athab, and Renoy Girindran, it highlights the importance of InSAR data in preventing future disasters.

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Abstract

The catastrophic failure of the Brumadinho tailings dam in Brazil on January 25, 2019, resulted in significant loss of life and environmental damage. This study utilizes the Intermittent Small Baseline Subset (ISBAS) technique on satellite-based InSAR data to analyze ground deformation preceding the collapse. The findings reveal pre-collapse deformation inconsistent with standard consolidation settlement, indicating the collapse was potentially foreseeable. The study concludes that satellite-based monitoring could help mitigate future dam failures.

Publisher

Communications Earth & Environment

Published On

Feb 02, 2021

Authors

Stephen Grebby, Andrew Sowter, Jon Gluyas, David Toll, David Gee, Ahmed Athab, Renoy Girindran

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