BGS data supports new tool to track geological changes in abandoned coal mines
BGS data supports new tool to track geological changes in abandoned coal mines.
20/11/2020
BGS is part of a multi-disciplinary team led by the University of Nottingham to develop a remote monitoring tool designed to help authorities manage public safety and environmental issues in recently abandoned coal mines.
The tool uses satellite radar imagery to capture millimeter-scale measurements of changes in terrain height. These measurements, when integrated with geological process models, can be used to monitor and forecast groundwater levels and changes in geological conditions deep below the earth’s surface in former mining areas. Ultimately this can help forecast where surface discharge of mine water may occur.
The study uses an advanced InSAR technique, called Intermittent Small Baseline Subset (ISBAS), developed by the University of Nottingham and Terra Motion Ltd and uses geological data provided by the BGS.
The method has been implemented over Nottinghamshire coalfields and the findings published in a paper ‘Modelling groundwater rebound in recently abandoned coalfields using DInSAR’ in the journal Remote Sensing of the Environment.
The team hopes to integrate results into an existing screening tool developed by the Environment Agency and Coal Authority to help local planning authorities, developers and consultants design sustainable drainage systems in coalfield areas, with potential to be scaled to coalfields across the UK.
The research was led by University of Nottingham PhD, David Gee and funded by the GeoEnergy Research Centre and Terra Motion Limited. ENVISAT and Sentinel-1 SAR data were provided by the European Space Agency with geological data by BGS and hydrogeological data by the Coal Authority.
Luke Bateson and Alessandro Novellino from the BGS Earth Observation and Geodesy capability have supported the geological interpretation and modelling of the InSAR results.
Read the full story on the University of Nottingham website
You can read more about the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technique from BGS Remote Sensing Geologist, Alessandro Novellino in ‘Mapping Ground Deformation from Space’, on the British Geological Survey blog.
Luke Bateson
Acting head of shallow geohazards and Earth observation; head of geodesy and remote sensing (Keyworth)
Dr Alessandro Novellino
Remote sensing geoscientist
Relative topics
Related news
UK and Philippine geological surveys sign Memorandum of Understanding during bilateral visits
13/11/2026
The new agreement reaffirms the organisations’ commitment to scientific collaboration, paving the way for closer cooperation on some of the most pressing geological, environmental and resource challenges.
BGS research facility gains international recognition
11/11/2026
The National Geological Repository has been recognised as an International Geo-Collection, highlighting its importance in supporting industry, academia and Government policy.
Thermal energy recovery from abandoned mines
09/11/2026
New research at the UK Geoenergy Observatories is assessing the efficiency of UK geology for thermal energy recovery.
Interactive exhibition highlighting multi-hazard research opens in Indonesia
01/11/2026
The exhibition, part of a collaborative effort co-led by BGS, invites the public to consider how communities adapt to dynamic landscapes shaped by natural hazards.
New research demonstrates stability of phosphate oxygen isotope in lake sediments
29/10/2026
The discovery could boost research into past environmental conditions, tracking nutrient pollution and examining the impacts of freshwater management.
BGS celebrates half a century in Keyworth
28/10/2026
2026 marks 50 years since BGS, the world’s oldest national geological survey, relocated to the site of our current headquarters, just outside Nottingham.
Forties at 56: the North Sea discovery that’s informing the energy transition five decades later
26/10/2026
Geological samples recovered from the UK’s first giant oil field in the 1970s continue to inform industry and researchers aiming to support the UK’s energy security needs.
New project mapping UK Continental Shelf provides boost to offshore infrastructure and development
22/10/2026
BGS is leading a three-year project funded by The Crown Estate to develop a new suite of seabed geology datasets and reports, providing crucial information for offshore developers about the seabed around the UK.
BGS one of the UK’s first specialist research institutes to receive Race Equality award
20/10/2026
BGS has secured Bronze accreditation under the Advance HE Race Equality Charter framework, recognising its commitment to identifying and addressing race equality issues in the geosciences.
British and French geological surveys strengthen collaboration through new agreement
14/10/2026
Two of Europe’s leading geological surveys have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration on key geoscientific challenges.
Historic watercolour unearthed on back of Dryburgh geological field map
05/10/2026
A 150-year-old painting of Dryburgh Suspension Bridge and the River Tweed offers an insight into the Scottish Borders landmark shortly after it was built in the 1870s.
Professor Alan MacDonald presented with Presidents’ Award at 2026 World Groundwater Congress
21/09/2026
The BGS Head of Groundwater has been recognised with this prestigious award by the International Association of Hydrogeologists for his extensive contributions to groundwater science.