Research progress and application of geophysical exploration methods for water-conducting fracture zone in coal mines

The water-conducting fracture zone in coal mines is a critical factor triggering water disasters during the mining process. This paper delves into its formation mechanism, influential factors, and impacts. By integrating multiple geophysical exploration technologies, the research explores the detection of water-conducting fracture zones in coal mines. The effectiveness and feasibility of these technologies are validated through practical case analyses. The research results indicate that the formation of water-conducting fracture zones is influenced by various factors, such as rock hardness, rock combinations, geological structures, coal seam thickness, coal seam dip angle, the distribution of aquifers and aquitards, groundwater levels, and water pressure. The emergence and evolution of water-conducting fracture zones could lead to severe mining disasters, including sudden water inrush, gas accumulation, and roof collapses, thereby posing a significant threat to the safety of coal mine production. Several geophysical exploration methods, including direct current electric method, electromagnetic method, and strata detection technology, are employed to detect water-conducting fracture zones in coal mines, offering technical support for coal mine safety. Nevertheless, existing geophysical exploration technologies still have limitations in terms of resolution, applicable conditions, and data interpretation. It is anticipated that with the advancement of intelligent monitoring and early warning systems, coal mine geophysical exploration technologies would more efficiently safeguard coal mine production safety in the future.