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ANALYSIS OF SUBSIDENCE AND INDUCED SEISMICITY IN UPPER SILESIAN COAL BASIN, POLAND

Katarzyna Mirek

Abstract

A complex geological structure with the superimposed effects of over 200 years of coal mining activities is characteristic of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland. Intensive exploitation leads to deformations of the rock mass and ground surface as well. The deformation process developing in the rock mass causes an increase in strains that may result in rockbursts. In this paper the data obtained by the PSInSAR technique covering the northeastern part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin were used. The aim of this paper was to determine regional trends in mining-induced land subsidence and to define how the epicenters of mining tremors are distributed over the area under investigation, taking into account the variability of both phenomena in time. Maps showing the subsidence rate obtained using the PSInSAR method indicate the development of two larger depressions, which resemble subsidence troughs in their nature. Analysis of mining tremors indicates that the largest concentrations of mining tremor epicenters are distributed on the perimeters of the observed subsidence troughs. This may be explained by the presence of tensile forces within the trough perimeter zones, as a result of which they are exposed to greatest damage.

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