Mining-Induced Deformation and Slope Stability in Steep Mountainous Areas Based on InSAR Monitoring and Rock Movement Theory: A Case Study from Southwestern China.
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| Title: | Mining-Induced Deformation and Slope Stability in Steep Mountainous Areas Based on InSAR Monitoring and Rock Movement Theory: A Case Study from Southwestern China. |
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| Authors: | Chen, Xiaoqiang1,2 (AUTHOR), Yao, Xin2 (AUTHOR) yaoxin@mail.cgs.gov.cn, Zhou, Zhenkai2,3 (AUTHOR), Tian, Xuwen2,4 (AUTHOR), Tao, Tao1,2 (AUTHOR), Li, Qiyu2,3,4 (AUTHOR), Wen, Yi1,2,3 (AUTHOR), Song, Guangyao2,4 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Remote Sensing. Jun2026, Vol. 18 Issue 12, p2008. 23p. |
| Subjects: | Slope stability, Radar interferometry, Mine subsidences, Natural disasters, Landslide hazard analysis, Mine safety, Rock deformation |
| Geographic Terms: | China, Southwest China |
| Abstract: | Highlights: What are the main findings? Mining-induced deformation in extremely steep mountainous terrain is jointly controlled by mining depth, slope gradient, and structural plane configuration, forming a topography–structure–mining coupled mechanism. InSAR-derived deformation boundary angles exceed theoretical predictions, indicating that complex topography and rock mass structure constrain deformation propagation. What are the implication of the main findings? Traditional rock movement theory has limited applicability in extremely steep mountainous conditions and may misestimate deformation influence ranges. A protective coal pillar (~160 m) can effectively reduce the transmission of mining-induced stress toward steep slopes and mitigate impacts on existing landslides. Geological disasters are frequently triggered in steep mountainous mining areas due to the coupling effects of underground excavation and slope stability, yet the applicability of traditional rock movement theories in such terrains remains unclear. This study investigates an extremely steep coal mine in southwestern China, integrating engineering geological surveys, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) measurements, InSAR monitoring, and rock movement theoretical calculations to analyze the impact of mining on mountain deformation and slope stability. The results show that the study area exhibits steep slopes (55–85°) and gently inclined, reverse-layered rock masses controlled by structural fracture zones, creating a geological environment prone to mining-induced landslides. The 1151 working face lies at a depth of 286–470 m, with a protective coal pillar of approximately 160 m left between the excavation and the cliff zone. InSAR monitoring indicates cumulative LOS deformation rates of −0.98 to 0.55 cm/a, with subsidence concentrated above the working face, while existing landslides in the cliff zone show no significant deformation. Comparison between theoretical calculations and InSAR inversion reveals that InSAR boundary angles (downslope 61–68°, upslope 67–73°) exceed theoretical predictions (downslope 48–52°, upslope 55°), indicating that complex topography and rock mass structure constrain mining-induced deformation propagation. The findings demonstrate that appropriately designed protective coal pillars and avoidance of unstable slopes can effectively mitigate the impact of mining-induced disturbances on existing hazards. This study provides valuable reference for landslide risk assessment and disaster prevention in extremely steep mining regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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| Abstract: | Highlights: What are the main findings? Mining-induced deformation in extremely steep mountainous terrain is jointly controlled by mining depth, slope gradient, and structural plane configuration, forming a topography–structure–mining coupled mechanism. InSAR-derived deformation boundary angles exceed theoretical predictions, indicating that complex topography and rock mass structure constrain deformation propagation. What are the implication of the main findings? Traditional rock movement theory has limited applicability in extremely steep mountainous conditions and may misestimate deformation influence ranges. A protective coal pillar (~160 m) can effectively reduce the transmission of mining-induced stress toward steep slopes and mitigate impacts on existing landslides. Geological disasters are frequently triggered in steep mountainous mining areas due to the coupling effects of underground excavation and slope stability, yet the applicability of traditional rock movement theories in such terrains remains unclear. This study investigates an extremely steep coal mine in southwestern China, integrating engineering geological surveys, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) measurements, InSAR monitoring, and rock movement theoretical calculations to analyze the impact of mining on mountain deformation and slope stability. The results show that the study area exhibits steep slopes (55–85°) and gently inclined, reverse-layered rock masses controlled by structural fracture zones, creating a geological environment prone to mining-induced landslides. The 1151 working face lies at a depth of 286–470 m, with a protective coal pillar of approximately 160 m left between the excavation and the cliff zone. InSAR monitoring indicates cumulative LOS deformation rates of −0.98 to 0.55 cm/a, with subsidence concentrated above the working face, while existing landslides in the cliff zone show no significant deformation. Comparison between theoretical calculations and InSAR inversion reveals that InSAR boundary angles (downslope 61–68°, upslope 67–73°) exceed theoretical predictions (downslope 48–52°, upslope 55°), indicating that complex topography and rock mass structure constrain mining-induced deformation propagation. The findings demonstrate that appropriately designed protective coal pillars and avoidance of unstable slopes can effectively mitigate the impact of mining-induced disturbances on existing hazards. This study provides valuable reference for landslide risk assessment and disaster prevention in extremely steep mining regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 20724292 |
| DOI: | 10.3390/rs18122008 |
