Integrating field survey and 3D geological modeling for surface water inrush prevention in valleys

Abstract Extracting shallow coal seams beneath gullies risks catastrophic surface water inrush via mining-induced fractures. Conventional 3D geological models rely heavily on sparse borehole data, causing severe topographic over-smoothing in rugged terrains and undermining hazard evaluations. Investigating a longwall panel beneath a seasonal gully, this study proposes an integrated modeling approach combining high-precision Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) surface surveying with subsurface borehole logs. Using 3DMine software, dual models—borehole-only versus RTK-integrated—were constructed and coupled with surface runoff simulations and overburden thickness analyses. Comparative results demonstrate that the borehole-only model systematically distorts gully geometry and overestimates protective overburden thickness, masking true fracture penetration risks. Conversely, the integrated model captures realistic incision depths and slope gradients, successfully pinpointing localized runoff convergence zones and preferential infiltration paths. Fusing high-density terrain point clouds with stratigraphic boundaries establishes an evidence-based engineering framework for designing targeted mitigation measures, including upstream catchment diversion and dynamic mining sequence adjustments.