## 4 Discussion
### Differences Between Coal and Non-Coal Mining Areas  
The differences in temporal coherence between SWC and altitude at various depths further illustrate the complex influence of mining activities on soil hydrology. In the coal mining area, the shift from negative to positive correlations indicates a dynamic response of SWC to environmental changes, likely driven by mining-induced disturbances [25]. Conversely, in non-coal mining areas, the more stable correlations reflect a less disturbed environment, where topographic and edaphic factors exert a consistent influence on SWC [26; 27]. The negative trends observed in the correlations between SWC and aspects or slopes in the coal mining area suggest disruptions in natural drainage patterns and moisture distribution, indicating that mining activities might alter topographical control on water movement [13]. These shifts emphasize the need for adaptive management strategies that account for the variability introduced by mining [28].  
Wavelet coherency reveals significant differences in the relationship between rainfall and SWC at depths of 30 and 50 cm in both coal mining and non-coal mining areas. This provides critical insights into how mining affects soil properties and hydrological processes. In coal mining areas, environmental factors such as altitude, slope, GCVR, CGI, clay, SBD, SOM, and pH exhibit stronger and more persistent correlations with SWC over longer periods and broader temporal scales compared to non-coal mining areas. This suggests that mining activities could cause substantial alterations to soil, possibly due to changes in soil structure, compaction, and vegetation loss, which amplify the influence of these environmental factors on SWC [29]. The increased and sustained correlations, particularly for factors like SOM and clay, underline their critical role in maintaining water retention in disturbed soils. As mining activities disrupt soil properties, SOM and soil texture become pivotal in controlling moisture dynamics. Furthermore, phase relationships in the coal mining area demonstrate more variability, indicating disrupted hydrological cycles where rainfall and SWC are often out of phase or exhibit lagged responses. This is in contrast to non-coal mining areas, where the correlations between SWC and environmental factors like altitude and slope are weaker and more sporadic, reflecting a more natural and stable hydrological interaction [21]. The comparative analysis highlights the substantial impact of coal mining on the soil's water retention capacity and its responsiveness to environmental factors. The long-term consequences of these alterations may include reduced ecosystem services and diminished hydrological functionality in coal mining regions. In non-coal mining areas, where correlations are more stable and predictable, environmental factors maintain a more natural relationship with SWC, suggesting less disturbance to soil and water processes.  
Overall, coal mining activities significantly alter the relationships between SWC and key environmental factors, leading to more variable and intense interactions than those observed in non-coal mining areas. This variability underscores the importance of developing tailored land management practices to mitigate the adverse effects of mining while promoting the sustainability of soil and water resources. Further research is essential to understand the long-term consequences of these alterations on soil health and ecosystem functionality, particularly in mining-disturbed landscapes [30].