Reactivation of landslides by surface subsidence from longwall mining

Conference · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5899326

Iannacchione, A T; Ackman, T E

Subsidence research by the US Bureau of Mines has identified and documented the occurrence of landslides over a longwall mining area in the Dunkard basin. Mining by longwall methods has been observed or produce a gradual surface subsidence profile of up to 60% of the thickness of the mined coal bed. The gradual subsidence of panels averaging 600 x 5000 ft (180 x 1525 m) can cause reactivation of older landslide deposits by decreasing the support to the landslide toe area. Examination of surficial features over a longwall mining area comprised of nine panels has led to the identification of several reactivated landslides. The two largest landslides occurred above a thin sandstone member with several associated springs. The largest landslides ranged from 100 to 300 ft (30 to 90 m) in length and from 100 to 200 ft (30 to 60 m) in width. Maximum scarp-slope displacements were approximately 7 ft (2 m). Less significant mass wasting was also observed over the longwall panels. Identification of landslides was accomplished through examination of premining aerial photographs and geologic field investigation. Characterization of reactivated zones was achieved through evaluation of current aerial 2-ft (0.6-m) surface contour map and field surveys. Recognition of problem areas will make civic and mining personnel aware of the landslide potential so that damage in such areas can be minimized.

• Research Organization: Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, PA
• OSTI ID: 5899326
• Report Number(s): CONF-8410269-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 68:12
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
012000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Mining
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
COAL MINING
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FEDERAL REGION III
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GROUND MOTION
GROUND SUBSIDENCE
LANDSLIDES
LONGWALL MINING
MATERIALS
MINING
MOTION
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
PENNSYLVANIA
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
UNDERGROUND MINING
US BUREAU OF MINES
US DOI
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA
WEST VIRGINIA