Mechanism of groundwater bursting in a deep rock salt mine region: a case study of the Anpeng trona and glauber mines, China

This paper investigated two incidents which occurred in Anpeng trona and glauber mines in China to understand the mechanism of groundwater bursting. There are two locations in the Anpeng mines, where groundwater bursting occurred since mid-November 2008 and February 2009, respectively. A systematic exploration of the geological conditions, operation of the mines, the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater bursting, and groundwater conducted passageways was implemented. The result reveals that the solution mining leakage was serious and the leaked water was the source for groundwater bursting. The fractures, cracks, faults, and mining wells formed connections with one another during solution mining. Such solution welled up and rose along the conducted passages and recharged shallow aquifers before finally reaching the ground surface as groundwater bursting. The impacts of groundwater bursting on the environment are serious. Thus, this study provides a basis for effective prevention of groundwater bursting and rational design of solution mining drainage plans.