Two red-brown submerged forests

Local subsidence following underground mining

Site Description

At this location extensive depressions filled with strongly acidic water can be observed. The lake has a pH value of 2.8 and an iron content of up to 203 mg/dm3. For this reason the waters have acquired a rust-orange tinge. The harmful nature of the acidic water is evidenced by the dying tree trunks. After the completion of mining activity, structural cladding was removed from the quarried areas of the underground “Babina” pit. This led to the collapse of corridors and shafts and the formation of depressions at the surface above the pit, which were filled by water. The constriction of excavations pits led to the formation of basin-shaped depressions at the surface. Although the speed and location of their emergence is difficult to determine and very often depends on fluctuations of the phreatic level, it could be observed that the surface ceased to move 10 years after the conclusion of mining activity.

Data

Locality

Německo

Terrain difficulty

2 / 5

Time required

0.5 hours.

Elevation difference

139 m

What will you see here?

Potopený les

1

Sinking over mining areas

Potopený les

2

Dying trees in the acidic former mining lake

Potopený les

3

Arched birch trunks

Do you know that...

Did you know that the depth of the depressions equate to 80% of the general thickness of the coal seam formerly quarried at this location? However, the seam would have been much larger, as the presence of water-rich sands in the hanging wall must also be taken into account.

For Curious Minds

Zatím tu není nic.

How to Reach Us

In the town of Łęknica follow signs to the geotouristic trail. From the entrance at the car park you will reach the described location after approximately one kilometre.

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