The abandoned underground mine as a semi-natural ecosystem: The story of Flaschar's Mine (Czechia)

Abstract

We have investigated a typical abandoned underground slate mine situated in the Bohemian Massif (Central Europe) in order to describe its elementary components and to outline the varied relations among them. Based on the results from geological, geomorphological, hydrological, microclimatic, and biological investigation, we have defined the abandoned underground mine as an important but overlooked semi-natural ecosystem that represents an azonal and relatively fast evolving environment. Unlike any other studies published so far, we have found it also vulnerable in terms of fragility and time-limited stability. Our results together with a comprehensive discussion highlight the fundamental features of the abandoned underground mine and finally serve as a basis on which we introduce a conceptual model of the abandoned underground mine. The complex and interdisciplinary perception of abandoned underground mines is crucial for appropriate environmental assessment, tourist management, natural protection or remediation.