Horizontal movements of the ground surface in the zone of influence of salt exploitation in Tuzla (Bosna and Herzegovina)

This paper focuses on surface movements determined by geodetic methods and occurred as consequence of brine extraction from Tuzla salt deposit (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Previous studies were mainly focalized on vertical movements, but important information about behavior of the deposit is also available from horizontal movement data. In the case of Tuzla salt deposit the geometry and spatial location of leached/empty spaces are unknown and the comparative analysis of vertical and horizontal movement could be really significant. The spatial identification of points with high values of vertical and horizontal movements depends on the geometry of empty spaces. Horizontal movements investigation has been carried out analyzing data collected by several geodetic measurements. The results obtained by the correlated spatial analysis of vertical and horizontal movements, can identify basic geometric characteristics of the leached/empty spaces. The discussed temporal intervals are two characteristic periods, referred to the capacity of the deposit exploitation. Movement rates per year and correlation between horizontal and vertical movements are considered as indicator parameters defining the character of ground deformation. Spatial analysis of these coefficients values has identified high risk areas, and gives additional information in the geological structures definition.