Project Objectives

The hard coal mining areas are among the best documented areas worldwide. The gradual end of coal mining in the various German coal mining areas until 2018 shows different stages of mine water rise with associated heterogeneous soil uplift and induced seismicity.
Objective of the project is to improve the process understanding for the development of the observed seismicity initially during the mine water rise in the bedrock. Based on data collection and modelling seismicity and differential uplift during mine water rise will be quantified to be able to assess hazards such as mining damage and induced seismicity at critical disturbances.

EIFER’s Contribution

The measurement of soil gas can support the detection of active movements in the underground. During refilling and flooding of old coal mine such movements (seismic events) can be initiated and lead to gas anomalies at the surface.

• Field soil gas mapping to detect gas anomalies in the Saar (Germany) coal mine area.
• Based on preliminary work, development of a low-cost multiple gas sensor system to measure gas leakage.
• Installation of gas measuring sensors
• Field application of the new sensors: Evaluation and Optimization