The purpose of the proposed research is to investigate the process of slow deformation of porous ground saturated with fluids. Various man- made disturbances and geometries will be considered. The first category is concerned with subsidence due to pumping from a well through a layered soil. In the second category, ground deformation induced by an intense heat source buried in a thick layer of soft soil will be studied. Finally, the thaw subsidence due to heated structures or oil production wells will be investigated. The proposed research has significant theoretical and practical implications. An award is recommended.
