Geomorphology of old and abandoned underground mines: Review and future challenges

Abstract

Abandoned underground mines remain insufficiently investigated landforms, which leads to underestimating their importance within world landscapes. Even though they stand as distinct and widespread geomorphic forms, research devoted to them is underpublished in comparison with natural caves. Because many mines with disturbed entrances remain hidden, various methods of their detection are reviewed, which are essential to prevent loss of life and damage due to their eventual collapse. The most prominent manifestations of the presence of abandoned underground mines are dynamic deformations along with slower subsidence. Even small related movements of the rock mass are detectable. Interest in monitoring and modelling the motions of such processes is growing. In response to the increasing number of documented mines worldwide, their reclamation, remediation or rehabilitation are being initiated as part of efforts to restore land devastated by mining activities; complex reclamation problems can be addressed by multidisciplinary expert teams. However, it is important to note that abandoned underground mines and their particular geomorphic forms are considered to be a source of great geodiversity and hence also biodiversity. The various possibilities of future research connected with abandoned underground mines as geomorphic forms are outlined.