Rock‐burst Forecasting and Genetic Research in Coal‐mines by Microgravity Method*

A bstract Microgravity can be used for predicting rock bursts. For the first time gravity anomalies related to rock bursts have been recorded. The methodology developed has lead to the first successful predictions. The depth of the rock‐burst focus might be determined on the basis of analytical downward continuation of related gravity anomalies: the focus is treated as a singular point of the gravity potential and its derivatives. The rock‐burst gravity anomalies might be explained on the basis of the assumed dilatancy process that causes the rock burst. The mean density change of the rock mass threatened with rock bursts can be estimated from the corresponding rock‐burst gravity anomalies.