Harmony aims to provide an integrated view of the dynamic processes that shape the Earth’s surface. For the Solid Earth, the scientific goals are to improve our understanding of tectonic and magmatic processes by bridging existing observational gaps, i.e.,
- Current missions are only able to measure strain rates for less than half of the tectonic areas and provide incomplete imaging for earthquakes in certain orientations. The ability to measure the N-S component of deformation will complete this map and hence improve global estimates of seismic hazard;
- Measurements of the spatial distribution of elevation changes associated with actively erupting volcanoes (e.g. dome growth, flow deposition) are currently rare, particularly over steep volcanic edifices. Elevation time-series data are critical for calibrating and validating process models and forecasting the associated hazards.
The unique interferometric capabilities of Harmony will enable it to measure the 3-D strain field (mm/yr-scale displacements) using the diversity of lines-of-sight and also measure large topographic changes (1-10 m-scale elevation changes) in repeat cross-track mode. Together these abilities will allow us to improve our understanding of the processes that drive earthquakes and volcanoes and ultimately improve hazard management.