Depressions caused by localized subsidence in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany: a link with coal mining?

摘要

In the coal mining districts of the Netherlands, Belgium andGermany, we identified 662 previously unidentified depressions at the landsurface using LIDAR data. Their density decreases westwards along withdeepening of the Carboniferous coal layers, while not changing indimensions. The timing of their formation based on historical maps andlandowner reports, suggests that they mostly formed during the period1920–1970, the peak of mining activity. Based on their position, density andage, we link the formation of depressions to the coal-mining activities inSouth Limburg, Germany and Belgium. Our working hypothesis tentativelyexplains the origin, mechanism of formation and timing of these localsubsidence features.