Sinkhole Development Research Articles

Detecting active sinkholes through combination of morphometric-cluster assessment and deformation precursors

Sinkhole hazards pose considerable challenges in the west-central region of Texas. This study integrates multisource datasets and innovative techniques to detect early sinkhole development and identify the processes governing their formation. The techniques employed encompass feature extraction, cluster analysis, and deformation process monitoring. Potential sinkholes were initially mapped using high-resolution elevation data, and a circularity index (CI) threshold value of 0.85 was applied to filter out depressions with noncircular shapes. Subsequently, Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSInSAR) followed by the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic methods were used to identify statistically significant subsidence clusters with rates of <−2 mm/yr, indicating active sinkhole formation. The findings reveal the following: (1) surface deformation analysis revealed significant subsidence hotspots, particularly in areas underlain by units containing significant sequences of evaporites, which nominally belong to the Clear Fork Group and the Blaine Formation, compared with those dominated by carbonates; (2) potential sinkholes are undergoing displacement up to a rate of −11.31 mm/yr, and (3) extreme groundwater pumping of karst aquifers and the subsequent decline in groundwater levels are found to be the leading causes of the susceptibility of the region to sinkhole hazards. In such cases, the decline of the water table deprives the overlying bedrock of buoyant support provided by the groundwater in the cavity. The bedrock will undergo sagging subsidence under the influence of gravity and eventually form a sinkhole. Extensive oil and gas activity in the study area, including extreme withdrawal rates and the injection of fluids associated with the activity, are other potential causes of the observed sinkhole susceptibility in several parts of the study area. This study underscores the importance of understanding the geologic, hydrologic, and anthropogenic factors driving sinkhole hazards for effective mitigation strategies to protect public safety, infrastructure, and the environment.

Cover collapse sinkhole formation is delayed in time and uncorrelated to distance from quarry in a long-term study of a karst basin

Collapse sinkholes are problematic for the hazards they bring to property, infrastructure, and human life but the prediction of their formation in time and space remains elusive. We make use of long-term data gathered in a small, highly monitored, hydrologically constrained basin; Primrose Creek, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA, to examine the relation between groundwater extraction, precipitation, terrain position, and cover collapse sinkhole development. The selected site is unique as a natural laboratory to explore induced sinkhole processes in that it is a clearly demarcated topographic basin with geological structural and lithologic boundaries; the stressor is extreme, has been plainly identified, and effectively captures all upstream runoff and groundwater; the groundwater withdrawals and water-level elevations have been closely monitored over a period of 20 years; and the general record of land conditions goes back more than a century. We evaluated the history of a carbonate-rock quarry, its development and expansion over many decades, as well as associated precipitation and ground-water level data, and cover collapse sinkhole occurrence within the basin. Interception of discrete high conductivity zones in the Paleozoic carbonate rocks by quarry expansion was an important factor in propagating collapse occurrence. Collapses occurred mainly, though not exclusively, along drainageways and at lithologic boundaries. They formed in time-based clusters with delay of up to several years. Surprisingly, distance of collapse formation from the pumping area was not directly correlated with time elapsed; i.e., collapses did not begin to form close to the quarry, and then later form farther away. Monitoring wells were unsuccessful in delineating the pumping zone of influence although some documented water table decline and response to weather and anthropogenic events. This comprehensive study shows that in order to successfully monitor and control impacts from quarry dewatering in Paleozoic carbonate rocks it is critical to 1) develop a detailed conceptual model of groundwater pathways, 2) try to avoid excavating into high permeability zones, 3) clearly document karst features when exposed, and 4) carefully site a suitable number of monitoring wells and collect data at short intervals.

The Influence of Geotechnical, Geological and Mining Factors on the Formation of Sinkholes at Lubambe Mine, Zambia

Mining-induced sinkholes are a common feature in underground mines. Sinkholes usually disrupt mining operations and associated infrastructure when they occur. This paper presents a case study of the Lubambe copper mine, where nine (9) sinkholes have been reported on the eastern and southern limbs. The development of sinkholes has resulted in increased mining costs due to the closure of the 182 mL decline on the eastern limb and the 175 mL truck route on the southern limb. This study establishes the influence that poor ground formation, rock stability, geological structures, and inappropriate mining practices have on the formation of surface sinkholes. Assessment of ground condition was done by core logging, and borehole analysis was conducted using GEM4D-BasRock software to classify the rock mass quality based on RQD, RMR, Q-System and GIS. Assessment of the mining operational environment was focused on the effects of varying stope designs and sequencing on ground stability. Results of the study indicate that the formation of surface-induced sinkholes is attributed to historical mining in weak rock formation and weathered rock coupled with subsequent failure of unsupported stopes with stope height between 8 and 25 metres and less stand-up time of 7 days.

Feasibility study on sinkhole monitoring with fiber optic strain sensing nerves

Anthropogenic activity-induced sinkholes pose a serious threat to building safety and human life nowadays. Real-time detection and early warning of sinkhole formation are a key and urgent problem in urban areas. This paper presents an experimental study to evaluate the feasibility of fiber optic strain sensing nerves in sinkhole monitoring. Combining the artificial neural network (ANN) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques, a series of model tests have been performed to explore the relationship between strain measurements and sinkhole development and to establish a conversion model from strain data to ground settlements. It is demonstrated that the failure mechanism of the soil above the sinkhole developed from a triangle failure plane to a vertical failure plane with increasing collapse volume. Meanwhile, the soil-embedded fiber optic strain sensing nerves allowed deformation monitoring of the ground soil in real time. Furthermore, the characteristics of the measured strain profiles indicate the locations of sinkholes and the associated shear bands. Based on the strain data, the ANN model predicts the ground settlement well. Additionally, micro-anchored fiber optic cables have been proven to increase the soil-to-fiber strain transfer efficiency for large deformation monitoring of ground collapse.

Tectonically Stable Parts in Iraq Are Not Stable

Iraq is located in the extreme northeastern part of the Arabian Plate, which is in collision with the Iranian (Eurasian) Plate. The collision, which is still ongoing has created tens of folds some of which exhibit different types of faults. The exerted compressional forces are believed to be decreasing southwestwards as being far from the collision area (Suture Zone). Accordingly, all the existing tectonic and geological maps compiled by different authors and all the existing published articles, reports and books have considered two main tectonic domains in Iraq. The Stable Shelf and Unstable Shelf or Inner Platform and Outer Platform. The contact between these two main divisions follows almost the Euphrates River; towards the west of the river is the tectonically Stable area and towards the east and north is the tectonically Unstable area, which means the presence of different structural forms. In the current study, we have recognized tens of different Neotectonic evidence in the Stable part indicating that the area is tectonically not stable. Among those indications are abandoned valleys, development of sinkholes along certain lineaments, bending of valleys in right angles, and development of nick-points in valleys along certain lineaments.

Morphometry and evolution of sinkholes on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Implications for susceptibility assessment

Sinkhole development is a hazardous geomorphic process responsible for increasing economic losses worldwide. The highly dynamic eogenetic salt karst of the Dead Sea is one of the most striking examples of a human-enhanced sinkhole hazard. Since the 1980s, the shores of the Dead Sea have been affected by thousands of sinkholes while the lake level has been declining. Sinkholes pose a major threat, but their rapid development also offers an exceptional opportunity to study their evolution. Although the evolution of the morphometry and distribution of sinkholes provides essential data for hazard assessment, this kind of studies are almost lacking because of the typical slowness of the processes. Here we present multi-temporal cartographic sinkhole inventories of a sector in the western shore of the Dead Sea. The database was constructed using aerial and satellite imagery, high-resolution three-dimensional photogrammetric models, and fieldwork. Most of the depressions mapped were single, small, relatively shallow, subcircular, collapse sinkholes nested within large sagging basins. From 2005 to 2021, the 702 new sinkholes have been concentrated along a narrow N-S-oriented strip comprising tightly packed alignments and clusters. Sinkhole expansion by mass wasting and coalescence play an essential role in the evolution of the sinkhole landscape. An average subsidence rate of 45 cm/year has been calculated for the total area affected by sinkholes, providing an indirect estimate for the rate of subsurface salt dissolution. This research illustrates how multi-temporal geomorphic mapping and morphometric analyses provide an objective basis for the development of reliable spatial predictions for sinkhole evolution.

On the issue of determining the dimensions of the rock massif cavity sufficient for the formation of a sinkhole in the overlying soil stratum

Introduction. The procedure currently recommended for karst hazard assessment includes a comparison of the cavity dimensions at the top of the karst massif with a “critical” value, sufficient for a shift of the cylindrical volume in the soil stratum. The scheme of calculating the “critical” value, proposed 40 years ago, is widely used due to its proven efficiency. However, in some cases, this procedure leads to an incorrect assessment of sinkhole development conditions, i.e., to incorrect decisions about the parameters of anti-karst measures.Aim. To adjust the procedure for calculating the “critical dimensions”, depending on the stratum structure and soil characteristics, as well as the load from the foundation.Materials and methods. The calculation formulas, transformed for computer calculations, are corrected by the introduction of a variable stability factor, the refinement of the schemes for accounting the effect of a surface load on the forces, acting along the side surface of the “shifting” volume, as well as by accounting, under the fulfillment of conditions for the general stability of a soil cylinder, the possibility of destroying the lower soil bearing layer, which is modeled as the clamped plate, loaded according to two different schemes depending on the properties of overlying soils.Results. The results of comparative calculations performed using the Mathcad software package for “standard” conditions are analyzed, and conclusions about the significance of the proposed corrections are drawn.Conclusion. When determining critical dimensions, it is necessary to introduce the values of the stability coefficient for the “shifting” soil volume, which are standard for geotechnics. In the case of using slab foundations, recommended in “karst-hazardous” areas, the effect of a surface load on the soil shift should be taken into account only when determining horizontal stresses on the side surface. Moreover, accounting can be carried out according to simple, but sufficiently justified, schemes. When the possibility of the lower layer destruction is accounted, the formation of a sinkhole is predicted at a smaller cavity span as compared to the proposed procedures.

Contribution of Remote Sensing and GIS to the Inventory and Analysis of Factors influencing on the Development of Karst Features in the Middle Atlas, Morocco

The development of karst features is a complex and interactive process of many factors with varying influence over time. The following main factors seem to have influenced the occurrence and development of karst features in the Middle Atlas in Morocco: Precipitations after extreme weather events depending on the precipitation pattern modified by orographic effects and exposition of the terrain towards the main rain-bearing clouds are determining surface water input and infiltration as well as the outline of morphologic watersheds and drainage basins. The lithologic conditions such as the outcrops of lower Jurassic limestones, the geomorphologic disposition, the volcanic activity within limestones combined with hydrothermal dissolution processes, and the structural conditions influencing water permeability in fault and fracture zones and, thus, the dissolution intensity, are further factors. Ongoing aseismic vertical and horizontal neotectonic movements due to plate tectonic activities and shallow earthquake activities are causing the development and reactivation of fault zones and as consequence modifying groundwater flow conditions in the karst hydrologic systems. Seismic activity can lead as well to the development of sinkholes and the collapse of caves. The development of a systematic Karst-Geo Information System (GIS) is recommended that should be updated regularly.

Geophysical analysis of an area affected by subsurface dissolution – case study of an inland salt marsh in northern Thuringia, Germany

Abstract. The subsurface dissolution of soluble rocks can affect areas over a long period of time and pose a severe hazard. We show the benefits of a combined approach using P-wave and SH-wave reflection seismics, electrical resistivity tomography, transient electromagnetics, and gravimetry for a better understanding of the dissolution process. The study area, “Esperstedter Ried” in northern Thuringia, Germany, located south of the Kyffhäuser hills, is a large inland salt marsh that developed due to dissolution of soluble rocks at approximately 300 m depth. We were able to locate buried dissolution structures and zones, faults and fractures, and potential fluid pathways, aquifers, and aquitards based on seismic and electromagnetic surveys. Further improvement of the model was accomplished by analyzing gravimetry data that indicates dissolution-induced mass movement, as shown by local minima of the Bouguer anomaly for the Esperstedter Ried. Forward modeling of the gravimetry data, in combination with the seismic results, delivered a cross section through the inland salt marsh from north to south. We conclude that tectonic movements during the Tertiary, which led to the uplift of the Kyffhäuser hills and the formation of faults parallel and perpendicular to the low mountain range, were the initial trigger for subsurface dissolution. The faults and the fractured Triassic and lower Tertiary deposits serve as fluid pathways for groundwater to leach the deep Permian Zechstein deposits, since dissolution and erosional processes are more intense near faults. The artesian-confined saltwater rises towards the surface along the faults and fracture networks, and it formed the inland salt marsh over time. In the past, dissolution of the Zechstein formations formed several, now buried, sagging and collapse structures, and, since the entire region is affected by recent sinkhole development, dissolution is still ongoing. From the results of this study, we suggest that the combined geophysical investigation of areas prone to subsurface dissolution can improve the knowledge of control factors, hazardous areas, and thus local dissolution processes.

Middle Risle River Critical Zone Observatory: monitoring karst-process evolution and its impact on surface water and on aquatic ecosystems

Abstract Rivers in karstic environments are known to be greatly influenced by surface water–groundwater interactions, with significant localized inflows during floods from springs, or with losses that can dry up rivers. The Middle Risle River is frequently affected by the development of sinkholes in a chalk karst area (Normandy, France). In the 2010s, two new major sinkholes in the riverbed caused a complete loss of water into the underlying phreatic aquifer, causing the river to dry up over several kilometres. The resulting changes in hydrogeological processes and surface water–groundwater interaction greatly affected water quality, water use and water-dependent ecosystems, causing a political crisis in this river-dependent touristic valley. To understand these phenomena and improve crisis management, the Middle Risle Critical Zone Observatory was set up to enhance monitoring, surveying and/or modelling of groundwater and river levels, river and spring flow, water temperature and conductivity, and ecosystem characteristics (fish, macro-invertebrates and vegetation). The results showed notable impacts on fish, macro-invertebrates and vegetation, some plants proving to be reliable indicators of surface-water–groundwater interaction. The dynamics of local hydrogeological processes were assessed and linked to the measured effects on ecosystems and water supply. Inverse modelling based on an analytical solution of the diffusive wave equation assessed lateral flow during floods, quantifying the spatial–temporal variability of surface-water and groundwater exchanges. It also highlighted the important role of karst zones in both storage and flood-peak attenuation processes, thereby protecting downstream villages against floods.

Kozaklı (Nevşehir) jeotermal alanındaki obrukların jeofizik yöntemler kullanılarak belirlenmesi

In this article, the temporal and spatial development of probable sinkholes in the close vicinity of a couple of sinkholes that occurred in 2007 and 2018 in the Kozaklı (Nevşehir) geothermal field, which is one of the most important thermal tourism centers where treatment with radon gases and mud can be carried out in Central Anatolia, was investigated using the multi-electrode resistivity method and core drilling data. The primary geothermal water aquifer consists of Palaeozoic aged marbles, the secondary Eocene aged limestone aquifer and cover rocks are the impermeable units of the area. Geothermal waters gain heat by geothermal gradient, granitic intrusions, and radiogenic ways. The depths, temperatures, and pH values of the wells belonging to geothermal water resources vary between 60 and 1493 m, 45 and 96 °C, as well as 6.22 and 6.61, respectively. Two-dimensional electrical resistivity methods were used to determine the dimensions of the collapse structures. In the geophysical studies examining the depths of 15-30 meters, surface fractures around the sinkhole, a subsidence structure nearby the active highway approximately 20 meters to the east, travertine was found around the pothole, especially in the east and north of the hollow structure. This data verified with log data obtained from core drilling. These findings are indicators for the ongoing karstification process.

Subaqueous plopstone deposits: a unique product of sinkhole development in eogenetic carbonates

Subaqueous plopstone deposits: a unique product of sinkhole development in eogenetic carbonates

Geological factors and mechanism of sinkhole development in Cho Don zinc-lead mining area, Bac Kan province, North of Vietnam

Geological factors and mechanism of sinkhole development in Cho Don zinc-lead mining area, Bac Kan province, North of Vietnam

Genesis of the Sinkholes at Al-Najaf Governorate, South Iraq

Al-Najaf Governorate covers a large part of the western side of the Southern Desert of Iraq and extends to the Iraqi-Saudi Arabian borders. The western and southern western parts have almost a desert environment with flat terrain, which is dissected by tens of valleys; all trend in SW- NE direction and drain to the Euphrates River. The area under consideration is covered by Umm Er Radhuma, Dammam, Euphrates, Ghar, Nfayil, Injana, and Zahra formations ranging in age from Paleocene to Pleistocene age, with different types of Quaternary sediments. The main rock types are limestone and dolostone, with subordinate amounts of marl, sandstone, claystone, and breccia. One of the main characteristics of this wide and flat plain is the karstification, which is expressed by development of sinkholes. Seven large sinkholes were studied with detailed characteristics of each sinkhole to indicate the genesis of their development and relation between them. From the seven studied sinkholes, six are still active, and one of them called Soga’a sinkhole was developed in 1944.

Geophysical Research of Secondary Deformations in the Post Mining Area of the Glaciotectonic Muskau Arch Geopark—Preliminary Results

Underground and opencast mining adversely affects the surrounding environment. This process may continue even decades after the end of actual mineral extraction. One of the most significant effects of ceased mining are secondary deformations. Safe, new development of post-mining areas requires reliable information on potential deformation risk zones, which may be difficult to obtain due to a lack of necessary data. This study aimed to investigate and understand the secondary deformation processes in the underground mining area of the former “Babina” lignite mine, located in the unique glaciotectonic environment of the Muskau Arch, in western Poland. A combination of GIS-based historical mapping, geophysical 2D/3D microgravimetry, and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) measurements allowed the identification of subsidence-prone areas and the determination of potential factors of sinkhole development. The latter are associated with anthropogenic transformation of rock mass and hydrogeological conditions, by shallow underground mining. The results confirmed that multi-level mining of coal deposits in complex and complicated glaciotectonic conditions cause discontinuous deformations, and may be hazardous as long as 50 years after the end of mining operations.

A rapid sediment pulse induced by glacial melting during the MIS 8/7e transition buried well‐developed karst in the Railton Valley, Tasmania, Australia

Recent catastrophic sinkhole collapse caused by regional water table lowering induced by quarrying has led to the partial exhumation and reactivation of a buried karst cave system in the floor of the Railton Valley in the lowlands of northern Tasmania, Australia, and widespread sinkhole development. Extensive silty sediments exposed in sinkholes, OSL dated to approximately 237 ka, are interpreted to be lacustrine deposits derived from rapidly deposited glacial outwash. The silty sediments have mineralogy consistent with derivation from a source in the upper Mersey catchment rather than locally and are interpreted to be the product of rapid melting of the Mersey Valley glacier during the MIS 8/7e transition. Thick Last Glacial alluvial fan and Holocene flood‐plain deposits mantle the lacustrine sediments. Exposures of glacial erratics and weathered till in streambeds provide further evidence that the valley was impacted by earlier Pleistocene glaciations.

Hydro-Stratigraphic Conditions and Human Activity Leading to Development of a Sinkhole Cluster in a Mediterranean Water Ecosystem

Salento Peninsula (Apulia, southern Italy) is characterised by many active sinkholes, which represent the main geological hazard. The stretch of coastline between the village of Casalabate and Le Cesine wildlife reserve is highly affected, with a system of dunes separating the low beach from extensive wetlands, which were subject to uncontrolled urban development after reclamation. The overall morphology is characterized by flat topography, whilst from a hydrogeological standpoint, the mixing of inland freshwater with advancing brackish water favours the higher aggressivity with respect to soluble rocks, and the development of enhanced dissolution (hyperkarst). The relict landscapes within the protected areas still allow for the recognition of actively occurring sinkholes, which cause damage to houses, the road network and infrastructures. In this article the case of Aquatina di Frigole is described, where in the last 15 years numerous sinkholes have formed, with the processes still in rapid evolution. Detailed surveys allow for to identification of the mechanisms of sinkhole formation (suffusion sinkholes), the deriving cluster, and the main hydrogeological links among the different water bodies in the area. Acquatina di Frigole provides an excellent natural laboratory to observe development and evolution of sinkholes, and their relationships with the stratigraphic and hydrogeological elements.

Sinkhole development in the Sivas gypsum karst, Turkey

The extensive gypsum karst of Sivas, Turkey is one of the most outstanding examples of bare gypsum karst in the world. It displays a number of remarkable geomorphic features, including: (1) two stepped planation surfaces cut-across folded gypsum developed during an initial phase of slow base level deepening punctuated by periods of stability; (2) unusual deeply entrenched gypsum canyons related to a subsequent phase of rapid fluvial incision and water table lowering; (3) a polygonal karst of superlative quality mainly developed in the upper surface; (4) relict valleys disrupted by sinkholes in the lower erosional surface; (5) a large number of bedrock collapse sinkholes mostly associated with the lower surface; and (6) numerous cover subsidence sinkholes developed in the valley floors. This work analyses the spatial distribution, characteristics and evolution of the sinkholes within the broad Plio-Quaternary geomorphological and paleohydrological evolution of the epigene karst system dominated by autogenic recharge. A cartographic sinkhole inventory has been produced in an area covering 2820 km2 with morphometric data and including 295 bedrock collapse sinkholes and 302 cover subsidence sinkholes. The different sinkhole types show a general spatial zonation controlled by the hydrogeological functioning of the different sectors: (1) solution sinkholes (polygonal karst) in the upper recharge area; (2) bedrock collapse sinkholes in the lower denudation surface and close to the base level, where well developed caves are inferred; and (3) cover subsidence sinkholes, with high densities probably associated with areas of preferred groundwater discharge. The morphology of the bedrock collapse sinkholes, varying from small cylindrical holes to large and deep tronco-conical depressions with gentle slopes reflect to geomorphic evolution of these sinkholes that reach exceptionally large hectometre-scale diameters. Their evolution, involving substantial enlargement and deepening, is attributed to the solutional removal as solute load of large volumes of gypsum by downward vadose flow. This type of morphological evolution with significant post-collapse solutional denudation differs from that observed in carbonate rocks characterised by lower solubility and erodibility. The analysis of historical imagery reveals that bedrock collapse sinkholes currently have a very low probability of occurrence and that buried cover subsidence sinkholes are used for urban development creating risk situations.

Evolution of surface deformation related to salt-extraction-caused sinkholes in Solotvyno (Ukraine) revealed by Sentinel-1 radar interferometry

Abstract. Rock salt has remarkable mechanical properties and high economic importance; however, the strength of salt compared to other rocks makes it a rather vulnerable material. Human activities could lead to acceleration of the dissolution of soluble rock salt and collapse of subsurface caverns. Although sinkhole development can be considered a local geological disaster regarding the characteristic size of surface depressions, the deformations can result in catastrophic events. In this study we report the spatiotemporal evolution of surface deformation in the Solotvyno salt mine area in Ukraine based on Sentinel-1 interferometric synthetic aperture radar measurements. Although the mining operations were finished in 2010, several sinkholes have been opened up since then. Our results show that despite the enormous risk management efforts, the sinkholes continue to expand with a maximum line-of-sight deformation rate of 5 cm/yr. The deformation time series show a rather linear feature, and unfortunately no slowdown of the processes can be recognized based on the investigated 4.5-year-long data set. We utilized both ascending and descending satellite passes to discriminate the horizontal and vertical deformations, and our results revealed that vertical deformation is much more pronounced in the area. Analytical source modeling confirmed that the complex deformation pattern observed by Sentinel-1 radar interferometry has a direct connection to the former mining activity and is confined to the mining territory. With the 6 d repetition time of Sentinel-1 observations, the evolution of surface changes can be detected in quasi real time, which can facilitate disaster response and recovery.

Characteristics and Affecting Factors of Sinkhole Development in Cho Don Area, Bac Kan Province, Vietnam

Cho Don district, Bac Kan province, Vietnam is an area where mineral resources are very concentrated. The most potential minerals in the areas are iron, lead, zinc ores and construction materials with large reserves. The mines that have been explored and have large mineral reserves are mines in Bang Lung town’s surrounding area with reserve of about 5,032 thousand tons of ores. Na Tum mine in Cho Don district, Bac Kan province started to operate in April 2007, but since December 2007 up to now a number of large and very large sinkholes have been being developed and most likely shall be developed in future. Na Tum mine dewatering had been considered as a main induced sinkhole formation driving factor. Other necessary and sufficient conditions of sinkhole development and natural factors which accelerate sinkhole formation triggering mechanism have been studied and identified in this paper. The results are essentially important for future comprehensive detailed engineering geological, hydrogeolocical and geotechnical engineering investigation plan which is required for sinkhole geotechnical quantitative analysis, based on which both management and engineering measures to prevent the future sinkhole development, to provide sinkhole warning, to remediation of sinkholes, to carry out the local resident resettlement etc. can be developed. This is an important part of sustainable social-economical development and environmental protection in term of induced geohazards related to mining activities.