thumbnail

Use of Electrical Resistivity to Detect Underground Mine Voids in Ohio

Water-Resources Investigations Report 2002-4041
Prepared in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri024041

Links

Abstract

Electrical resistivity surveys were completed at two sites along State Route 32 in Jackson and Vinton Counties, Ohio. The surveys were done to determine whether the electrical resistivity method could identify areas where coal was mined, leaving air- or water-filled voids. These voids can be local sources of potable water or acid mine drainage. They could also result in potentially dangerous collapse of roads or buildings that overlie the voids. The resistivity response of air- or water-filled voids compared to the surrounding bedrock may allow electrical resistivity surveys to delineate areas underlain by such voids.

Surface deformation along State Route 32 in Jackson County led to a site investigation, which included electrical resistivity surveys. Several highly resistive areas were identified using axial dipole-dipole and Wenner resistivity surveys. Subsequent drilling and excavation led to the discovery of several air-filled abandoned underground mine tunnels.

A site along State Route 32 in Vinton County, Ohio, was drilled as part of a mining permit application process. A mine void under the highway was instrumented with a pressure transducer to monitor water levels. During a period of high water level, electrical resistivity surveys were completed. The electrical response was dominated by a thin, low-resistivity layer of iron ore above where the coal was mined out. Nearby overhead powerlines also affected the results.

Suggested Citation

Sheets, R.A., 2002, Use of electrical resistivity to detect underground mine voids in Ohio: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 2002–4041, 33 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri024041.

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Detection of abandoned mine voids by use of resistivity
  • Summary and conclusions
  • References cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Use of electrical resistivity to detect underground mine voids in Ohio
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 2002-4041
DOI 10.3133/wri024041
Year Published 2002
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description 10 p.
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details