Acta Geodynamica et Geomaterialia

Title: MINING INDUCED SEISMIC EVENTS AND SURFACE DEFORMATIONS MONITORED BY GPS PERMANENT STATIONS
Authors: Szczerbowski Zbigniew and Jura Janusz
DOI: 10.13168/AGG.2015.0023
Journal: Acta Geodynamica et Geomaterialia, Vol. 12, No. 3 (179), Prague 2015
Full Text: PDF file (1.9 MB)
Keywords: mine surveying, mining tremors, permanent GPS/GNSS observation
Abstract: GPS/GNSS surveys carried out by the reference stations of national or local networks also provide a new type of data for geodynamic investigations. On the basis of continuous-time or GNSS position time series with high sample rates it is possible to determine the mobility of large areas. Such mobility can be a result of both natural (such as tectonic) or anthropogenic effects (such as mining). Results from the GPS/GNSS permanent stations of Legnica–Głogów Copper District (LGCD) from the starting points in time of mining tremors are discussed here. The spatial-temporal evolution of the surface vertical displacement of these areas demonstrated relations with seismic tremors or rock burst induced by mining. We discuss changes in displacement parameters in the time period when seismic events occurred. According to the authors temporal and spatial characteristics and distributions are not accidental, which means that the coordinates of some permanent GNSS stations working within the Polish Active Geodetic Network (ASG-EUPOS) and about 40 km distant could be affected by tremors. The most interesting is the subsidence basin which is formed after mining tremors with the center located near the area of epicenter and with maximal vertical displacements about 10 mm. This far-reaching deformation effect can be explained only by the influence of the tectonic setting of the area. However, the authors are cautious about their conclusions, suggesting more studies on the problem initially presented in the paper.