High energy events as a combined effect of human impact and geoenvironmental factors - the case study based on GNSS data

Abstract

In the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) mining region in Poland, coal production has been gradually reduced for many years. Nevertheless, the number of high-energy tremors remains at a similar level or decreases much slower than production. We analyze this problem in the aspect of geological setting and on the base of geodetic data. We explain the paradox by specific interaction between man-induced and natural tectonic stress as seasonal hydrological effects. Anomalous energies released during large seismic events exceeded the predetermined threshold, typical for mining tremors in the area. Further, the authors point out the seasonal occurrence of these events. Temporal variations of distances between continuously operating GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) reference stations were analyzed, and linear strain, inferred from these geodetic observations, corresponded to high-energy tremors in the area. Consequently, the seismic events usually occurred when the analyzed baseline performance demonstrated significant seasonal increases or decreases of evaluated temporal distribution of strain. The aim of the analysis was to evaluate the relationships between the characteristics of the time series of deformations and the occurrence of seismic tremors of energy E ≥ 3 x 107J occur. Seasonal occurrences of high-energy seismic events as the energy they released suggest the influence of environmental factors.