scholarly journals Impact of Coal Mining on the Moisture Movement in a Vadose Zone in Open-Pit Mine Areas

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4125
Author(s):  
Huiqin Lian ◽  
Haiyang Yi ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
Bin Wu ◽  
Rui Wang
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Coal Mining ◽  
Vadose Zone ◽  
Groundwater Level ◽  
Mining Operation ◽  
Open Pit ◽  
Capillary Water ◽  
Moisture Movement ◽  
Water Zone

Long-term dewatering of groundwater is a necessary operation for mining safety in open-pit coal mines, as extensive dewatering might cause ecological problems due to dramatic changes in moisture movement in the soil, especially in ecologically fragile areas. In order to evaluate the impact of the coal mining operation on moisture movement in the vadose zone and vegetation, this paper presents a quantitative methodology and takes the Baorixile open-pit coal mine as a study example. A long-term in situ experiment (from 2004 to 2018), laboratory analysis, and numerical modelling were conducted to analyze the mechanisms and relationship among the dropping groundwater level, the vadose-zone moisture, and the ecological responses in the grassland area. The experiment data and modelling results suggest that groundwater level dropping during open-pit mining operation has limited influence on the vadose zone, exhibiting a variation of capillary water zone within a depth of 3 m while the vadose zone and soil water zone were at least 16 m deep. The critical evaporation depth of ground water is 8 m. The long-term influence radius of groundwater dewatering is about 2.72 km during the Baorixile mining operation, and the groundwater level change mainly influences the lower part of the intermediate vadose zone and the capillary water zone below 16 m, with little influence on the moisture contents in the soil water zone where the roots of shallow vegetation grow. The results from this study provide useful insight for sustainable development of coal mining in ecologically fragile areas.

scholarly journals Impact of Coal Mining on the Moisture Movement in a Vadose Zone in Open-pit Mine Areas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiqin Lian ◽  
Haiyang Yi ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
Bin Wu ◽  
Rui Wang
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Coal Mining ◽  
Vadose Zone ◽  
Groundwater Level ◽  
Mining Operation ◽  
Open Pit ◽  
Capillary Water ◽  
Moisture Movement ◽  
Water Zone

Long-term dewatering of groundwater is a necessary operation for mining safety in open-pit coal mines, while extensive dewatering might cause ecological problems due to dramatical changes of moisture movement in the soil, especially in ecological-fragile areas. This paper presents a quantitative methodology to evaluate the impact of the coal mining operation on moisture movement in the vadose zone by taking the Baorixile open-pit coal mine as an example. A long-term in-situ experiments（from 2004 to 2018), laboratory analysis and numerical modelling were conducted to analyse the mechanisms and relationship among the dropping groundwater level, the vadose-zone moistures, and the ecological responses in the grassland area. The experiment data and modelling results suggest that groundwater level dropping during open-pit mining operation has limited influence on the vadose zone, exhibiting a variation of capillary water zone within a depth of 3 m while the vadose zone and soil water zone were at least 16 m deep. The critical evaporation depth of ground water is 8 m. The long-term influence radius of groundwater dewatering is about 2.72 km during the Baorixile mining operation, and the groundwater level change mainly influences the lower part of the intermediate vadose zone and the capillary water zone below 16 m, with little influence on the moisture contents in the soil water zone where the roots of shallow vegetation grow. The results from this study provide useful insight for sustainable development of coal mining in ecological-fragile areas.

Complex landslide dynamics: establishing a monitoring setup to investigate sub-surface properties and displacements of a slow moving landslide system

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margherita J. Stumvoll ◽  
Robert Fahrngruber ◽  
Thomas Glade
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Surface Properties ◽  
Groundwater Level ◽  
Direct Methods ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Non Invasive

<p>Quantitative data of the sub-surface properties and dynamics of recently active landslides spanning a temporal scale of more than a few years are still fairly rare. This is due to the fact that long-term landslide-monitoring setups are expensive regarding both financial and human resources as well as to install and maintain. Yet, a comprehensive understanding of potential landslide triggering thresholds is mandatory. <br>Apart from external triggers the internal hydrological, soil mechanical and geophysical properties of a hillslope determine its potential for displacement. The spatial distribution of groundwater levels and soil water contents as well as of the regolith material, resistance and depth define potential areas of activity. The internal structure of a landslide needs to be assessed in order to be able to evaluate magnitude and frequency as well as potential triggers of activity.</p><p>In this study, we present a long-term monitoring setup for the detection of sub-surface properties, structure and dynamics of the complex Hofermühle-landslide near Konradsheim in Lower Austria. A combination of direct (invasive) and indirect (non-invasive) methods is used. Direct methods include 1) dynamic probing to investigate sub-surface resistance and 2) the analysis of cores generated via drilling. Data analysis hereby focus on geotechnical parameters such as soil properties, regolith depth and resistance. To investigate hydrological properties data regarding 3) groundwater level using piezometers as well as 4) soil moisture using time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes are used. Data analysis focus on the spatio-temporal behaviour of soil moisture and groundwater level changes in order to assess sub-surface water pathways, water residence time and the connection to changes – regarding both input (precipitation) and output (evapotranspiration). Sub-surface movement rates and their position along vertical soil profiles are planned to be analysed using 5) inclinometer data. Direct methods are combined with non-invasive geophysical methods. As this monitoring setup will be maintained for a longer time period (>10a), the setup itself is assessed critically; challenges and issues of the installation, data transfer and analysis are discussed.</p><p>First results regarding the analysis of hydrological parameters indicate a heterogenic distribution of groundwater static level, soil water retention time after infiltration and flow paths. A first interpretation of the sediment core, dynamic probing as well as geophysical results support this heterogeneity. Sub-surface areas of potential activity could be presumed to be correlated with the spatial distribution of surface displacements as these also show a heterogenic distribution.</p>

scholarly journals Influence of Multi-Layered Structure of Vadose Zone on Ecological Effect of Groundwater in Arid Area: A Case Study of Shiyang River Basin, Northwest China

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Haohao Cui ◽  
Guanghui Zhang ◽  
Jinzhe Wang ◽  
Qian Wang ◽  
Xujuan Lang
Keyword(s):  
Vadose Zone ◽  
Layered Structure ◽  
Groundwater Level ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Soil Column ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Ecological Effect ◽  
Column Test ◽  
Capillary Water ◽  
Shiyang River Basin

The natural vegetation in arid areas of northwest China is strongly dependent on the availability of groundwater. Significantly, capillary water plays an essential role in regulating the ecological groundwater level in the multilayered structure of the vadose zone. The soil-column test and field survey in the lower reaches of the Shiyang River Basin were conducted to investigate the influence of the multi-layered structure of the vadose zone on maintaining the ecological effect of groundwater. Based on the field survey, the results show that the depth of groundwater is 3.0 m, and the rising height of capillary water is 140 cm. In the soil-column test, the height of the wetting front of the column was 125 cm. During the water releasing test, the water held by the vadose zone was 182.54 mm, which would have maintained Haloxylon’s survival in a growing season. Therefore, the multi-layered structure of the vadose zone extends the ecological groundwater depth and consequently enhances the ecological function of groundwater. Importantly, with a lower groundwater level, the clay soil layer within the rising height range of the original capillary water would hold more water and maintain a higher water content for a certain period to supply surface vegetation.

Development of resources

1987 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 341-346
Author(s):  
R. K. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Coal Mining ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Mining Subsidence ◽  
Planning System ◽  
Open Pit ◽  
Deep Mining ◽  
Underground Coal Mines ◽  
Sand And Gravel

AbstractThis review compares and contrasts opencast coal-mining, dolomite quarrying and an open pit tungsten proposal with the planning impacts which affect new underground coal-mines. Deep-mining is emphasised in view of its past widespread effects in urban areas of Britain. Papers in the session on mining subsidence, long-term quarry slopes and sand and gravel construction materials are also considered in the context of the present planning system.

Heavy metal contamination from open-pit coal mining in Europe's Black Triangle and possible remediation

1996 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 321-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Tichý ◽  
V. Mejstřík
Keyword(s):  
Coal Mining ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Point Sources ◽  
Metal Mobility ◽  
Open Pit ◽  
Open Pit Mining ◽  
Black Triangle ◽  
Short And Long Term

An area heavily impacted by open-pit coal mining was used to demonstrate risks associated with the presence of toxic metals. The area is located in northern Bohemia, Czech Republic, and is currently categorized as among the most deteriorated landscapes on earth. Open-pit mining and the subsequent landscape restoration may present certain risks of contamination with metals, both in the short and long term. A rather uncertain parameter in this is the behaviour of metals deposited in the mining spoil over the long term. A second important factor is that of reduction in the intensity of agricultural production in the region, which leads to remobilization of metals from the soils. The role of wetlands and their management in the landscape is indispensable in controlling metal mobility and distribution. In setting up priorities for remediation, pollution from point sources should be sharply distinguished from the diffused sources. This review includes a description of the intensive remediation techniques suitable for point sources, as well as the extensive techniques applicable to diffused pollution.Key words: heavy metals, open-pit mining, spoil banks, wetlands, risks.

Modelling of Moisture Movement in Wood during Outdoor Storage

2001 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Baronas ◽  
F. Ivanauskas ◽  
I. Juodeikienė ◽  
A. Kajalavičius
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Finite Difference ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Moisture Movement ◽  
Finite Difference Technique ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Space Formulation ◽  
Term Storage

A model of moisture movement in wood is presented in this paper in a two-dimensional-in-space formulation. The finite-difference technique has been used in order to obtain the solution of the problem. The model was applied to predict the moisture content in sawn boards from pine during long term storage under outdoor climatic conditions. The satisfactory agreement between the numerical solution and experimental data was obtained.

ASSESSMENT OF LONG-TERM AND RECENT GROUNDWATER LEVEL RECORDS IN WISCONSIN FROM 1917 TO 2017

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duabchi Vang ◽  
◽  
Emily M. Finger ◽  
Sarah A. Vitale
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Level

scholarly journals Managing and Reforesting Degraded Post-Mining Landscape in Indonesia: A Review

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 658
Author(s):  
Pratiwi ◽  
Budi H. Narendra ◽  
Chairil A. Siregar ◽  
Maman Turjaman ◽  
Asep Hidayat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acid Mine Drainage ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Coal Mining ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Forest Area ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Open Pit ◽  
Open Pit Mining ◽  
Acid Mine

Tropical forests are among the most diverse ecosystems in the world, completed by huge biodiversity. An expansion in natural resource extraction through open-pit mining activities leads to increasing land and tropical forest degradation. Proper science-based practices are needed as an effort to reclaim their function. This paper summarizes the existing practice of coal mining, covering the regulatory aspects and their reclamation obligations, the practices of coal mining from various sites with different land characteristics, and the reclamation efforts of the post-mining landscapes in Indonesia. The regulations issued accommodate the difference between mining land inside the forest area and outside the forest area, especially in the aspect of the permit authority and in evaluating the success rate of reclamation. In coal-mining practices, this paper describes starting from land clearing activities and followed by storing soil layers and overburden materials. In this step, proper handling of potentially acid-forming materials is crucial to prevent acid mine drainage. At the reclamation stage, this paper sequentially presents research results and the field applications in rearranging the overburden and soil materials, controlling acid mine drainage and erosion, and managing the drainage system, settling ponds, and pit lakes. Many efforts to reclaim post-coal-mining lands and their success rate have been reported and highlighted. Several success stories describe that post-coal-mining lands can be returned to forests that provide ecosystem services and goods. A set of science-based best management practices for post-coal-mine reforestation is needed to develop to promote the success of forest reclamation and restoration in post-coal-mining lands through the planting of high-value hardwood trees, increasing trees’ survival rates and growth, and accelerating the establishment of forest habitat through the application of proper tree planting technique. The monitoring and evaluation aspect is also crucial, as corrective action may be taken considering the different success rates for different site characteristics.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document