The observations of tectonic activity of Świebodzice Depression and their probably connections with strong and deep seismic events in Lubin copper mining region
Marek Kaczorowski
Space Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences
Recent tectonic activity of Świebodzic Depression is observed since seventies years of the last century. In this time in Ksiaz was constructed Geodynamic Observatory of Space Research Center (SRC). Permanent clinometric observations executed since 1975 with use of quartz horizontal pendulums (KW) as well as measurements of tiltings and vertical motions executed since 2003 by two long water-tubes tiltmeters provided numerous observations of tectonic activity. Collected observations contain irregularly occurring events (lack of seasonality) of rapid variations of equilibrium position of KW as well as large variations of water level in KH hydrodynamic systems.
For quite different tiltmeters (KW and KH) the magnitudes of registered tectonic effects achieve 10 times of tidal signals magnitudes. The executed investigations allow us to eliminate all non-tectonic effects as a possible reason of these phenomena. The source of strong signals observed by KH and KW are recent tectonic motions in Sudetic region.
Additionally, tectonic activity is confirmed by system of secondary faults visible in underground corridors of Ksiaz massive as well as characteristic pictures of deformations of Pełcznica river meander which result from present activity of a lot of faults. Permanent observations provide data of displacements and tiltings of foundation, vertical motions and deformations of the crust. These measurements allow us to model and quantitative evaluation of deformations as well as direction and magnitude and stress-strain relations in Swiebodzice Depression region.
The high energy magnitudes of seismic events from Lubin and depth of their hypocenters 3-4 km are difficult to explain by post-mining compensation effects in massive. Generally the magnitudes 3-4 of seismic events are too large as well as their occurrence is too deep. Strong seismic events indicate on natural seismic effects associated with natural activity of massif.
In such a case seismic effects associated with mining activity are kind of trigger which initiate main seismic shock only.
In this paper we present seismic effects from Lubin copper mining region in combination with tectonic activity in Swiebodzice Depression which is observed by instruments of the Geodynamic Laboratory of SRC in Ksiaz.
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