--> Abstract: Collapse of the Retsof Mine: Stratigraphy, Glaciation, Hydrology, Seismology and Mining, by W. J. Brennan; #90954 (1995).

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Abstract: Collapse of the Retsof Mine: Stratigraphy, Glaciation, Hydrology, Seismology and Mining

William J. Brennan

On March 12 and April 8 of 1994, earthquakes occurred in the Genesee Valley near Cuylerville, New York. Both events were associated with collapse of separate portions of the Retsof salt mine, and each was followed within a few weeks by the abrupt initiation and intermittent enlargement of a sinkhole over the area of collapse. Both earthquakes were quite different from tectonic earthquakes which have occurred in the region. The presence of surface waves and unusually low frequencies are more characteristic of earthquakes which are known to have resulted from the collapse of mines and nuclear test cavities, and their presence suggests that the earthquakes were the result of, not the cause of, collapse in the mine.

The Genesee Valley is a glaciated trough scoured into the Onondaga Formation and filled with glacial and postglacial sediment. A large, unconsolidated confined aquifer system in the valley fill has provided most of the water which has filled the mine at rates in excess of 34×106 gallons per day. Subsidence of the surface above the mined cavity, sinkhole enlargement and withdrawal of ground water will continue for some time.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90954©1995 AAPG Eastern Section, Schenectady, New York