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Assessing hydrogeological hazards in the post-mining region in Saint-Vaast, Belgium: insights from three decades of SAR data and piezometric analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Atefe Choopani

    (Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences
    University of Liège)

  • Pierre-Yves Declercq

    (Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences)

  • Benedicta Ronchi

    (AGT Advanced Groundwater Techniques)

  • Xavier Devleeschouwer

    (Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences)

Abstract

This study assesses hydrogeological hazards in the Saint-Vaast region, Belgium, impacted by three decades of deformation post-coal mine closure. Using Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PS-InSAR) applied to 30 years of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data along with geological investigations and 13 years of piezometric well data, we analysed subsurface dynamics leading to environmental hazards in the region. We focused on identifying key periods of significant deformation pattern changes. The soft Wealden terrains (Lower Cretaceous) are characterized by alternating sandstones, clay, and sand facies, composing the sedimentary roof of an old mine drainage adit dug at 30 m depth. The presence of this mined adit structure is contributing to the current vulnerability of the region. Especially, when the abandoned mine drainage adit was filled with water following the cessation of pumping. Due to an increase in the water level in the Wealden aquifer below the gallery, natural groundwater flow paths and pressures have increased over time. At least two significant mudflow outbursts, in 2009 and 2018, occurred. This study shows that both events were correlated with changes in water level and deformation. Moreover, results suggest a new phase of rising water levels and ground uplift due to increased pressure in the Wealden aquifer. A crucial outcome of this research is the assessment of the potential for another similar incident soon, informed by the correlation analysis of water level and ground displacement time series.

Suggested Citation

  • Atefe Choopani & Pierre-Yves Declercq & Benedicta Ronchi & Xavier Devleeschouwer, 2025. "Assessing hydrogeological hazards in the post-mining region in Saint-Vaast, Belgium: insights from three decades of SAR data and piezometric analysis," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 121(6), pages 7095-7122, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:121:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1007_s11069-024-07056-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-024-07056-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zeming Tian & Lifeng Zhao & Hongdong Fan & Tao Lin & Tao Li, 2024. "Mining subsidence monitoring using distributed scatterers InSAR based on Goldstein filter and Fisher information matrix-weighted optimization," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 120(5), pages 4205-4231, March.
    2. K. Joyce & S. Samsonov & S. Levick & J. Engelbrecht & S. Belliss, 2014. "Mapping and monitoring geological hazards using optical, LiDAR, and synthetic aperture RADAR image data," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 73(2), pages 137-163, September.
    3. Sonja Kivinen & Kaarina Vartiainen & Timo Kumpula, 2018. "People and Post-Mining Environments: PPGIS Mapping of Landscape Values, Knowledge Needs, and Future Perspectives in Northern Finland," Land, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-23, December.
    4. Milad Yarmohammad Touski & Maryam Dehghani & Mehdi Veiskarami, 2023. "Monitoring and modeling of a landslide in Kahroud, Iran, by InSAR measurements and slope stability analysis," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 117(3), pages 2249-2268, July.
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