Predicting Groundwater Rebound in the South Yorkshire Coalfield,UK

Abstract:  The semi-distributed model GRAM (groundwater rebound in abandoned mineworkings) has been applied to part of the South Yorkshire Coalfield, UK, to predict the pattern of groundwater rebound, in particular the timing and rates of changes in mine water flows between abandoned collieries. The model is based upon the mining hydrogeologist's concept of ‘ponds’ (discrete volumes of interconnected workings) and calculates water balances over time for all ponds in a multi-pond mined system. GRAM was successfully calibrated against observed groundwater levels over a 5 year period from 2001 to 2005 before being used to predict future rates of groundwater rebound, in accordance with different scenarios, including average, low, and high rainfall scenarios. The results reveal that it could take up to 22 years before an inflow of water occurs into the last remaining colliery in the area at Maltby, with the first surface discharge expected in approximately 15 years time from an old mine shaft. If Maltby is closed and pumping ceases across the area, then it could be 100 years before groundwater rebound is complete.