Anthropogenic land subsidence
G. Gambolati, P. Teatini, M. Ferronato
Dept. Mathematical Methods and Models for Scientific
Applications, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
ABSTRACT
Fluid removal from subsurface reservoirs, in the form of gas, oil, groundwater,
geothermal water, and brine, produces a compaction of the depleted formations
which migrates totally or partially to the ground surface thus inducing
anthropogenic land subsidence. The paper presents: (i) a list of the major
subsiding areas worldwide, (ii) a review of the mechanism which causes a
measurable settlement above aquifer systems and gas/oil fields, (iii) a
description of the currently available techniques to measure land subsidence
and in situ rock compaction, (iv) a brief description of some mathematical
models to predict the magnitude of subsidence, and (v) a description of a
few remedial options that are available to control the event and mitigate
the related environmental impact.
