Determining the influence of longwall mining on groundwater resources

D. Elsworth, J. Liu, L. Entov, S. Zhao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A method is developed to describe the influence of mining on groundwater resources that utilizes induced strains to define the modification of the conductivity field. This methodology is applied to a suite of mining geometries that incorporate the influence of surface topography. Surface topography is illustrated to provide a controlling effect on the development of mining induced strains, and as a consequence, on groundwater resources. Distinct zones of hydraulic influence develop, that coalesce as extraction becomes shallower. For deeper geometries, the hydraulically isolated form of the zones is evaluated using an approach that incorporates the potential for strain localization. The incorporation of localization is shown not to affect the general conclusion that distinct hydraulic zones may develop and remain isolated, providing the problem scale is sufficiently large. Correspondingly, observational rules developed to predict the extent and location of potential aquifer dewatering are confirmed and may be extended to evaluate the potential long term influence of mining on the groundwater system. Rock Mechanics, Daemen & Schultz (eds).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication35th U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics, USRMS 1995
Editors Daemen, Schultz
PublisherAmerican Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
Pages605-610
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9054105526, 9789054105527
StatePublished - 1995
Event35th U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics, USRMS 1995 - Reno, United States
Duration: Jun 5 1995Jun 7 1995

Publication series

Name35th U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics, USRMS 1995

Other

Other35th U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics, USRMS 1995
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityReno
Period6/5/956/7/95

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geophysics
  • Geochemistry and Petrology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Determining the influence of longwall mining on groundwater resources'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this