Changes in subsidence-field surface movement in shallow-seam coal mining

China's coal output was about 3.52 Gt in 2017 (China National Coal Association, 2018), making it the largest coal producer in the world, accounting for almost half of total world coal production.Coal production and distribution play a vital role in the energy industry of China.However, entire overlying strata, from coal seam to surface, are disturbed as a result of long-term, high-intensity and large-scale mining, causing surface subsidence.This results in groundwater loss, surface desertification, vegetation loss, and mud-rock flows.These issues have become topics of common concern throughout society.According to related research results (Liu 2008), the area of surface subsidence caused by coal mining in China has reached about 600 000 ha, some 0.2 ha (and up to 0.42 ha) of surface subsidence for every 10 000 t of coal produced.Surface subsidence disasters not only damage buildings, water conservancy, transportation infrastructure, and farmland, but also cause adverse effects on individual and community lifestyles, environmental