The hydrogeological impacts of longwall coal mining-induced susidence, northern Wasatch plateau, Utah : a modular, three- dimensional, finite-difference flow model

the ground-water system was studied in Burnout Canyon, Northern Wasatch Plateau, Utah to provided hydrogeologic information relative to the impacts of longwall coalmining induced subsidence. The longwall panels of coal are overlain by approximately 600 feet of interbedded sand, silt, and shale. The water-bearing zones are comprised of local 1enticular sand lenses. Well analysis and locations of springs indicated that multiple ground-water systems are operating within the study area.A modular three-dimensional, finite-difference flow model (MODFLOW) was used to simulate the multiple water-bearing zones and associated hydrostratigraphy above the mine. The model was used to assess the distribution of head over space both pre- and post-subsidence, using absolute heads and measured values of mine-inflow for model calibration. Longwall retreat was simulated with two model runs, each representing a new face position. Model calibration indicated that spatial head distributions were affected by subsidence.Department of GeologyThesis (M.S.