Model Establishment for Ponding in Coal Mining Subsidence Areas and its Prediction: Case Study of Northern Jining, China

Mining in areas with a high phreatic water surface leads to groundwater exposure and the accumulation of the water in the subsidence basin. The calculation of the volume of water is of high importance. This paper analyzes the seasonal or perennial ponding caused by mining in areas with high phreatic water surfaces. With the help of digital elevation model, the estimated groundwater elevation, and the basis of a mining subsidence prediction model, a model of ponding in subsidence areas has been established. Using this model, the amount of mining subsidence ponding in northern Jining has been calculated. Furthermore, the evolution of ponding has been forecasted. Our experimental results indicate that the average depth of the ponding area is projected to be about 3 m after mine closure. The volume of the new perennial ponding is 0.2–2 million m³ per year and it is negligible to the river confluence in Jining. This model helps in the calculation of the amount of water in the subsidence area and the evaluation of the impact of mining subsidence area on the catchment, which would provide a certain basis for the reclamation and protection of water resources in the locality.