Pre-collapse spaceborne deformation monitoring of the Kakhovka dam, Ukraine, from 2017 to 2023

Abstract

The Kakhovka Dam on the Dnieper River in Kherson Oblast, Ukraine, was completed in 1956 as the final dam in the Dnieper reservoir cascade. On the morning of June 6th, 2023, a substantial portion of the dam suffered a collapse while under Russian control. This incident was documented through satellite optical and radar images, providing valuable evidence of the dam’s condition. Here we present the results of multi-temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (MT-InSAR) monitoring of the Kakhovka dam. The dam is vital for water management and hydroelectric power generation. Utilizing multi-temporal InSAR (MT-InSAR) data, we assessed the dam deformations prior to the collapse. Our findings indicate movements of the south side, facing the Dniprovska Gulf, compatible with several possible damage mechanisms. This study highlights the significance of employing spaceborne advanced monitoring techniques to detect signs of distress and ensure the stability of critical infrastructure.