Mining-induced tremors in the light of deformations estimated by satellite SAR interferometry in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland

Abstract

Abstract Satellite differential interferometry has proven to be a useful method for the deformation estimation caused by underground mining. This underground human intervention may influence mining-induced tremors which can even affect human lives. Having considered the importance of the problem, the goal of the presented study is to check whether DInSAR estimated deformations can be correlated with mining tremors. For analyses, 51 differential interferograms have been processed using Sentinel 1A/B ascending images. Seismic events of the biggest magnitude have been selected for detailed investigation. Time series deformations in the centre of the subsidence basins as well as the time series deformation profiles have been used to search for evidence of the mining-induced tremors. Unfortunately, achieved results for these specific events did not present characteristic changes in the deformation behaviour which can be attributed to particular seismic events. This can be due to the small magnitude of the tremors (Mw≈2.8), geological settings, properties of the study are as well as the depth of the extraction (1km). Achieved results portray that finding any sign or evidence of the induce tremors in time series deformations is a complex and challenging task even if such an effective satellite interferometric methods are available.