Thesis
Effects of surface coal mining on soil hydraulic properties Rosebud Mine, eastern Montana, USA
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2012
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103201
Abstract
Soil erosion by water is strongly related to soil hydraulic properties. Understanding how surface coal mining impacts soil hydraulic properties is important to develop effective management practices for erosion control in post-mining reclamation. In this study, we conducted a series of field investigations (soil sampling and field experiments) at the Rosebud Mine, eastern Montana State, USA, and subsequent laboratory analysis at the Soil Physics Laboratory of Washington State University to elucidate soil hydraulic properties as affected by reclamation management practices. WEPP simulation and risk analysis were performed to test implications of the soil properties on water erosion. The results showed that the hydraulic properties of the soil samples collected from four representative mining areas have significant differences, some of which were due to the differences in post-mining treatments. The potential for soil erosion increases during mining due to the degraded soil hydraulic properties, but can be mitigated with post-mining revegetation. The WEPP simulation showed that the spoil and topsoil have higher erosion risk than the soils in the natural and revegetated areas, and the revegetation practice may lower the erosion risk to the natural level over the long-run.
Metrics
5 File views/ downloads
28 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Effects of surface coal mining on soil hydraulic properties Rosebud Mine, eastern Montana, USA
- Creators
- Xiangdong Liu
- Contributors
- Joan Q. Wu (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Biological Systems Engineering, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525092201842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis