Variations in microclimate modified by opencast mining: case studies from Hungary

Abstract

At the first impression the interactions between opencast mining (confined to the lithosphere) and meteorology (a science studying the atmosphere) do not seem very strong. However, if one considers that the solar energy which controls the physical processes of the atmosphere reaches the atmosphere through the mediation of the surface, the interactions are found to be essential. The ground surface, more precisely its material composition, structure, cover, morphology and colour is of great importance in meteorological processes. Open-cast mining continuously modifies these properties and the completion of extraction activities results in a final new surface. The order of magnitude of climatic variation is generally proportionate to degree of surface transformation; therefore modifications at micro- and mesoclimatic scales due to mining are expected. The modifications affect the areas of mining activities and their immediate surroundings. Although the interrelationships between climate and mining discussed in this paper constitute only a small segment of the total climatic system and are embedded in the numerous environmental problems raised by open-cast mining, they still deserve attention, and it is useful to summarize related knowledge.