Quantification of mining subsidence in the Ruhr District (Germany)

Extensive coal mining over the past century in the Ruhr District, Germany, has led to significant ground subsidence, with some areas experiencing drops of more than 25 meters. The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex shows the most pronounced subsidence, highlighting the long-term impact of industrial activity on the landscape. Researchers digitized historical elevation data from 1892 and compared it with current Digital Elevation Models to quantify these changes. Their analysis revealed that while depressions are common, mining subsidence also affects elevated terrain features, often invisible without digital comparison. On average, the studied area—covering approximately 2700 km²—has lowered by about 1.6 meters, with regional variations ranging from 0.51 meters in Kamen to 5.16 meters in Gelsenkirchen's Emscher floodplain.

Harnischmacher, S. (2010). Quantification of mining subsidence in the Ruhr District (Germany). Géomorphologie : Relief, Processus, Environnement, 16(3), 261–274. https://doi.org/10.4000/geomorphologie.7965