Abstract
Based on two-dimensional heat-conduction equations with a phase-change component, this study investigates the impact of underground mining on the permafrost environment in an opencast coal mining pit. The dynamics of the maximum thawed and freezing depths at different depths around a borehole wall are determined. The spatial distributions of these dynamics are also determined at different locations of the wall profile. The results show that (1) the maximum freezing depth tends to increase over 100 years; (2) the maximum thawed depth increases along a borehole wall over 100 years. In particular, the maximum thawed depth increases faster near the junctions of permafrost and seasonally frozen soil; (3) due to the small cross section of mining laneways, coal mining does not cause rapid increases in permafrost temperature around borehole walls. Once disturbance to permafrost around a borehole wall decreases, the once-insignificant effect of temperature will become more obvious. Underground mining does have some impacts on permafrost surrounding borehole walls, but it does not cause large areas of deformation due to thermal disturbance.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.