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