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Coal Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 57 ›› Issue (11): 209-217.doi: 10.11799/ce202511026

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Relationship between surface deformation and soil erosion in semi-arid mining areas

  

  • Received:2025-04-21 Revised:2025-07-04 Online:2025-11-10 Published:2026-01-09

Abstract:

Coal mining-induced subsidence causes surface deformation and soil erosion, yet their connection is not well-studied. To enhance the ecological restoration strategies in mining regions, it is essential to investigate how subsidence may influence soil erosion. This research focuses on the multi-ore composite mining region in Ordos, employing differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (D-InSAR) technology alongside the revised universal loss equation (RUSLE) to assess surface subsidence and soil erosion rates quarterly from 2018 to 2021. It examines the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and quantitatively evaluates the changes in soil erosion within subsidence and non-subsidence areas. The findings indicate:(1) The cumulative subsidence in Ordos' s multi-ore composite mining area increased steadily from 2018 to 2021, with substantial variations in subsidence rates and seasonal trends across different subsidence areas. Specifically, subsidence areas 2 and 3 experienced the highest subsidence, reaching maximum cumulative amounts of 1.04 m and 1.06 m over four years, with a noticeable acceleration in subsidence rates during autumn. (2) The soil erosion rate in the region exhibited clear seasonal variations from 2018 to 2021. Erosion was minimal in summer and winter, characterized primarily by micro-erosion, with rates nearly zero in spring and peaking in autumn. Notably, the maximum soil erosion rate in the subsidence area occurred in 2021, at 26. 51?t?? hm2 ? a1, marking a critical phase for controlling soil and water loss in the mining zone. (3) Mountain mining does not consistently enhance soil erosion; in some instances, subsidence may inhibit erosion. Topographic features significantly influence soil erosion, particularly in mountainous regions, which are highly susceptible to erosion. Open-pit mining exacerbates soil erosion and provokes a more pronounced erosion response in subsiding areas. This study uncovers the relationship between surface deformation and soil erosion in Ordos' s multi-ore composite mining area. It investigates the potential effects of surface deformation on soil erosion, providing a scientific foundation for soil erosion management and ecological restoration in these mining regions.

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