Utilizing the high-resolution seismic reflection and GPR methods to locate and map near-surface abandoned MVT lead/zinc mines at Joplin, Missouri: An engineering geophysical perspective

In 1997 and 1998 the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Missouri-Rolla conducted high-resolution seismic reflection and ground-penetrating (GPR) surveys for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). These geophysical data were acquired in Joplin, Missouri along segments of a proposed bypass in areas that were subject to intense near-surface mining activities (Mississippian Valley-type lead/zinc) during the Tri-State District (TSD) mining era (1850 to 1960). In total, 15,600 m of shallow seismic reflection data and 10,500 m of GPR data were acquired for the MoDOT. The interpreted geophysical data will assist MoDOT engineers with route planning and site remediation prior to the construction of the bypass.; The geophysical data were acquired with four objectives in mind: (1) to locate and map near-surface mined ground that has the potential for collapse, (2) to continuously map Mississippian-aged carbonate bedrock to determine areas of anomalous depths, (3) to locate and map near-surface geologic structures that have the potential for surface collapse (i.e., paleosinkholes and solution-collapse features), and (4) to determine the subsurface geologic nature of the carbonate-host rock associated with the Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) lead/zinc deposits.; The geophysical surveys were successful. The high-resolution seismic reflection method was successfully used to locate and map hazardous mined ground along segments of the proposed bypass, and effectively map continuous, carbonate bedrock. Moreover, the shallow seismic method successfully imaged potentially hazardous near-surface paleosinkholes and elongated solution-collapsed structures that follow northwest trending fractures. The interpreted seismic data confirm that these near-surface paleokarst structures act as geologic control relative to the deposition of the carbonate-hosted MVT lead/zinc deposits.; The GPR method was successfully used to locate and image infilled mine access and ventilation shafts in areas that were covered by “chat” (milled rock). It was effective in determining lateral subsurface dimensions of such shafts, and provided estimated depths of “chat”-to-soil boundaries.; The interpreted GPR data provided subsurface dimensions of mine shafts and “chat”-to-soil boundaries which will be used in the remediation phase of the proposed bypass prior to its construction. The interpreted shallow seismic data effectively delineated abandoned shallow mine workings by successfully imaging paleokarst phenomena that controlled MVT ore deposition at Joplin, Missouri. The construction of the bypass is scheduled to begin in 1999.