This study investigates vertical surface displacements in an area previously impacted by extensive underground hard coal extraction, specifically focusing on the closed “Kazimierz-Juliusz” mine in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (Poland). The cessation of mining operations and formal decommissioning do not necessarily signify the termination of ground instability; rather, the discontinuation of mine water pumping triggers a progressive groundwater rebound within the rock mass. This hydrogeological shift leads to a redistribution of stresses in the geological structure, inducing deformation processes that manifest as surface uplift. This research aims to characterize the temporal evolution and magnitude of post-closure surface elevation changes by integrating satellite radar interferometry with conventional geodetic surveys. The analysis, spanning a 28-month observation period, utilizes both Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSInSAR) and European Ground Motion Service (EGMS) data, complemented by precise geometric leveling. The results reveal a low-magnitude deformation process, with detected uplift rates reaching approximately 1 cm/year. The synergistic integration of InSAR-based monitoring and classical geodesy allowed for robust cross-validation, significantly enhancing the reliability of the findings both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Sokoła-Szewioła et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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