Deformation of the Earth’s crust: measurement methods, regularities, nature

Research subject. This paper investigates rock deformations and stress states in mineral excavation sites.

Materials and research methods. On the basis of a 20-year geodeformational monitoring of natural stresses and deformations in the rock mass at mining sites in the Urals, carried out by the Laboratory of Geodynamics and Rock Pressure at the Institute of Geology and Geology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, we propose a novel structure of natural stress fields with reference to their change over time. Measuring instruments should be calibrated using standards of length and weight, including surveying tape measures, tapes, wires of various chemical composition, light and radio-range finders.

Results. For the mining sites under study, the parameters of the variable component of stress fields with a chronological reference were determined, along with a forecast of loads both during preparatory and mining stages up to 2022. The experiments showed that, along with lithostatic (gravitational) and tectonic stresses, it is necessary to distinguish variable “astrophysical” rock stresses due to the cyclic expansion and contraction of the Earth.

Conclusions. Using available measurements obtained during the most recent 11-year nanocycle of solar activity, regularities in the formation of rock deformations and stresses were revealed. A forecast of natural stresses with an increase in variable “astrophysical” stresses in the upcoming solar activity cycle was made. Measurements of rock deformations are currently performed using methods based on various physical principles. The results obtained thus far are relative, not permitting to judge about absolute values. The numerical values of dozens of fundamental physical constants are also variable. The international community of scientists should develop a mechanism to track changes in their magnitude over time.

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