This research contributes to the understanding of surface deformation in the study area with new knowledge of the upper soil sequence. An established sequence distribution of the shallow layers was set and some of their geotechnical properties were determined. The analized samples are composed by compressible clayey silt and several lenses of volcanic sandy ash. Heterogeneities may be contributing to differential subsidence which is controlling the occurrence of surface faulting.

Ground subsidence has affected Mexico City for over a century, as a result of its large urban expansion and aggressive groundwater extraction rates. The continuous subsidence results in severe damage to urban infrastructure and civil structures. This work is aimed towards a better recognition of subsidence as a major hazard in Mexico, assess the number of inhabitants affected and the spatial extent of the subsiding areas affected by this process.

In this work we present the application of InSAR analysis and gravimetric surveying to generate valuable information for risk management related to land subsidence and surface faulting. Subsidence of the city of Aguascalientes, México is presented as study case. Our work based on gravimetric and InSAR surveys is aimed for improving the subsidence hazard zoning proposed in the State Urban Code in a more comprehensive way.