Based on results of the statistical analysis of a large amount of measured data in mining engineering

the fundamental theoretical model of ground surface movements due to underground mining is established by using the theory of probability. The formulas of rock mass displacements and deformations are developed and applied to the prediction of the ground surface movements due to underground mining. The agreement of the theoretical results with the field measurements shows that our model is satisfactory and the formulae obtained are valid and thus can be effectively used for analyzing and predicting the ground surface movements due to underground mining in soft rock mining areas. The results have shown that the area of rock mass displacements and deformations in overlying strata will extend with the increase in depth.