Work

Assessing Ecological Impacts and Recovery in Coal Mining Areas: A Remote Sensing and Field Data Analysis in Northwest China

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In the coal-rich provinces of Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia, the landscape bears the scars of coal extraction—namely subsidence and deformation—that disrupt both the terrain and the delicate ecological balance. This research delves into the transformative journey these mining regions undergo, from pre-mining equilibrium, through the tumultuous phase of extraction, to the eventual restoration of stability post-reclamation. By harnessing a suite of analytical tools, including sophisticated remote sensing, UAV aerial surveys, and the meticulous ground-level sampling of flora and soil, the study meticulously measures the environmental toll of mining activities and charts the path to ecological restoration. The results are promising, indicating that the restoration initiatives are effectively healing the landscapes, with proactive interventions such as seeding, afforestation, and land rehabilitation proving vital in the swift ecological turnaround. Remote sensing technology, in particular, emerges as a robust ally in tracking ecological shifts, supporting sustainable practices and guiding ecological management strategies. This study offers a promising framework for assessing geological environmental shifts, which may guide policymakers in shaping the future of mining rehabilitation in arid and semi-arid regions.

Source: Remote Sensing

DOI: 10.3390/rs16122236

Authors: Deyun Song, Zhenqi Hu, Yi Yu, Fan Zhang, Huang Sun

Institutions: China University of Mining and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology - Beijing

Language: English

Topic: Geology and Environmental Impact Studies

Subfield: Law

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,069