Hydrological causes and consequences of the water inrush into the Praid Salt Mine, Transylvania, Romania

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Abstract

The Praid salt mine, Romania was flooded by the Corund Creek in May 2025, which changed the hydrodynamic and environmental conditions of the site. To provide an overview of the situation, we discuss the geological processes forming the salt diapir, highlighting its hydrogeological aspects. We also present the previous mining activities, and the most probable process of the water intrusion into the mine areas. Since a new situation arose as a result of the inrush of water, we analyze the hydrodynamic processes of the recent (flooded) state and we give an outline of future possibilities.