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U.S. Department of Energy
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Detecting Underground Mine Voids Using Complex Geophysical Techniques

Conference ·
OSTI ID:912852
In July 2006, the National Energy Technology Laboratory in collaboration with Department of Geology and Planetary Science, University of Pittsburgh conducted complex ground geophysical surveys of an area known to be underlain by shallow coal mines. Geophysical methods including electromagnetic induction, DC resistivity and seismic reflection were conducted. The purpose of these surveys was to: 1) verify underground mine voids based on a century-old mine map that showed subsurface mine workings georeferenced to match with present location of geophysical test-site located on the territory of Bruceton research center in Pittsburgh, PA, 2) deliniate mine workings that may be potentially filled with electrically conductive water filtrate emerging from adjacent groundwater collectors and 3) establish an equipment calibration site for geophysical instruments. Data from electromagnetic and resistivity surveys were further processed and inverted using EM1DFM, EMIGMA or Earthimager 2D capablilities in order to generate conductivity/depth images. Anomaly maps were generated, that revealed the locations of potential mine openings.
Research Organization:
National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, and Morgantown, WV; Department of Geology and Planetary Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE - Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
OSTI ID:
912852
Report Number(s):
DOE/NETL-IR-2007-057
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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