PostMinQuake

Where mining once took place and humans interfered with the natural geology and deposits, microseismic tremors can occur as a result. In the “PostMinQuake” research project, the Research Center of Post-Mining is investigating this micro-seismicity. The project team is investigating exactly how they arise, identifying particularly vulnerable structures, and thus developing long-term risk management for affected regions. To this end, the Research Center of Post-Mining is working closely with many European partners from Czechia, Poland, and France.

Together, they are observing the geological dynamics in the respective test areas that have been altered by coal mining – in Germany, these are primarily the Ruhr area, the Ibbenbüren area, and the Aachen area. The FZN obtains its data from the Geological Service of North Rhine-Westphalia, RAG AG, the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, and seismological stations at the Ruhr University Bochum.

Shown here: Microseismic tremors in the Ruhr area from 2010 to 2020. (Map: RUB/University Cologne).

The project investigates the main causes of ground movements that can affect the stability of the surface and critical infrastructure. The main objective of the project is to better understand the mechanisms of microseismic events after mining and to develop plans for long-term monitoring of the ground after mining. Based on the findings, the project team will develop a reference database for European post-mining areas over the next three years. In addition, the investigations will help to develop new monitoring strategies and interpretation methods for areas with increased induced microseismicity.

The project is part of the EU-funded Research Fund Coal and Steel (RCFS) and will be funded until 2023.