Permanent Link:

https://digital.lib.usf.edu/SFS0069922/00001

Material Information

Title:

The formation of sinkholes in karst mining areas in China and some methods of prevention

Series Title:

Environmental Geology

Creator:

Wanfang, Zhou

Publication Date:

1997-05-01

Language:

English

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:

Sinkholes ( local )
Karst Water ( local )
Mines ( local )
China ( local )

Genre:

serial ( sobekcm )

Notes

Abstract:

Mining of coal, lead and zinc, gold, and iron ore deposits in karst areas has been closely associated with sinkholes in China. Surface collapse causes an increase in mine water drainage and the possibility of major water inflow from karst aquifers, which threatens the environment in mining areas and endangers mine safety. The origin of such sinkholes is analyzed quantitatively in this paper and a combination of factors including soil weight, buoyancy, suffosion process and vacuum suction can contribute to surface subsidence. The key measures to prevent sinkholes in mining areas are to control the amount of mine drainage, reduce water-level fluctuation, seal off karst conduits and subsurface cavities in the overlying soil, prevent water inflow, and to increase gas pressure in the karst conduits.

Original Version:

Environmental Geology, Vol. 31, no. 1-2 (1997-05-01).

Record Information

Source Institution:

University of South Florida Library

Holding Location:

University of South Florida

Rights Management:

This object is protected by copyright, and is made available here for research and educational purposes. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the object beyond the bounds of Fair Use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.

USFLDC Membership

Aggregations:

University of South Florida
Karst Information Portal

Postcard Information

Format:

serial