Development and mechanism of ground fissures: a case study in the Huang-Qing-Zhang paleochannel belt

Feida Li, Feiyong Wang (), Jianbing Peng, Jishan Xu and Huxing Ren
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Feida Li: China University of Geosciences Beijing, School of Engineering and Technology
Feiyong Wang: China University of Geosciences Beijing, School of Engineering and Technology
Jianbing Peng: China University of Geosciences Beijing, School of Engineering and Technology
Jishan Xu: China University of Mining and Technology, School of Resources and Geosciences
Huxing Ren: Shaanxi Provincial Land Engineering Construction Group Co. Ltd.

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2025, vol. 121, issue 19, No 23, 22913 pages

Abstract: Abstract In the Huang-Qing-Zhang paleochannel belt of the North China Plain, nearly a hundred ground fissures have developed. Among them, 29 ground fissures are concentrated in the Daming area within the paleochannel basin. These incidents resulted in severe economic damages to the region. Taking the Muyuzhuang ground fissure in Daming County as a case study, this paper investigates the development characteristics and genetic mechanism of this ground fissure through geological surveys, mapping, trench exploration, drilling and other methods. Muyuzhuang is located at the boundary between the Neihuang Uplift and the Linqing Depression. The Muyuzhuang ground fissure exhibits a linear NE-SW distribution with a total length of about 700 m and diverse manifestations, including irregular pits and wall cracks of varying sizes. In the trench profile, ground fissure appears as vertical funnel-shaped structures. Intense tectonic activity caused the early river channel to divert. Paleochannel created favorable conditions for ground fissure development. Excessive groundwater extraction has induced differential settlement in soils on both sides of the river channel. Therefore, tensile stress develops at the ground surface. Tensile fractures develop in soil when the tensile stress reaches its tensile strength limit. These fractures provide preferential pathways for surface water and ultimately evolve into ground fissures through water-induced erosion. This study not only enriches and refines the genetic mechanism of paleochannel-related ground fissures but also provides a theoretical basis for regional disaster prevention and mitigation.

Keywords: Ground fissures; Paleochannel; Fault; North China plain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-025-07726-x

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