Geomorphology of Abandoned Underground Slate Mines in Czechia

Abstract

We conducted one of the first complex geomorphological investigations of underground abandoned slate mines in Czechia, Central Europe. Sixty types of subterranean geomorphic forms were described from 114 abandoned underground slate mines in the Nízký Jeseník Upland. The forms, evaluated according to their type, scale, frequency, and fragility, are independent of each other or embedded. Their cascades occur in large multilevel mines affected by fluvial and gravitational processes. Analysis of the microforms revealed mine pearls enriched with titanium, calcareous soda-straw stalactites, amorphous calcareous-sulphurous piles, and quartz veins. Forty-seven of the identified mines were affected by gravitational failures. Four-year measurements of cracks revealed both negligible oscillations and distinct displacement of rock blocks up to 4 mm. The range of described geomorphic forms together with identified cascades and measured crack displacement point to rich geodiversity and high dynamics within the abandoned mines. Compared to other subterranean geosystems, the geomorphology of abandoned underground slate mines remains poorly investigated, although knowledge of subterranean geomorphic systems is crucial for future natural evaluation, risk assessment, remediation, or tourist management of abandoned mining sites. The recent results are applicable to other types of abandoned mines in the world. However, we should expect new findings and investigation of as yet undescribed geomorphic forms.