Medieval and Modern Use of Soil Tunnels in Warfare (A Conversation with Kenneth R. Olson)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66659/m6v6ps58Keywords:
Soil tunnels; warfare; military geography; soil science; border security; envi-ronmental impacts; military engineering; tunnel resilience; Vietnam; interdis-ciplinary researchAbstract
Medieval and Modern Use of Soil Tunnels in Warfare examines the environmental, geological, military, and historical dimensions of soil tunnels used in warfare and smuggling over more than 2,500 years. Drawing upon case studies from Vietnam, Korea, the Middle East, and the United States–Mexico border, the book demonstrates how soil properties, geology, hydrology, and landscape conditions determine the feasibility, resilience, and strategic value of underground tunnel systems. By integrating soil science with military history, environmental studies, and border security, the book introduces an interdisciplinary perspective rarely found in conventional military analyses. It also highlights the long-term environmental and public-health consequences associated with tunnel construction and destruction, arguing that military engineering should be evaluated not only in strategic but also in environmental terms. The work contributes to a broader understanding of how natural systems influence military operations and how military activities continue to shape landscapes long after conflicts have ended.
References
1. Olson, K. R., & Speidel, D. R. (2020). Review and analysis: Successful use of soil tunnels in medieval and modern warfare and smuggling. Open Journal of Soil Science, 10, 194–215. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojss.2020.105010
2. Olson, K. R., & Morton, L. W. (2017). Why were the soil tunnels of Cu Chi and the Iron Triangle in Vietnam so resilient? Open Journal of Soil Science, 7, 34–51. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojss.2017.72003
3. Olson, K. R. (2023). How did Vinh Moc Village, located near the Vietnam DMZ, protect its villagers from United States Air Force bombardment during the Vietnam War? Open Journal of Soil Science, 13, 1–27. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojss.2023.131001
4. Olson, K. R., Olson, P., & Wagner, E. (2025). Israel border security threats: Soil tunnels. Open Journal of Soil Science, 15, 361–387. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojss.2025.156016
5. Beeri, T. (2021). Hezbollah’s “Land of Tunnels”: The North Korean–Iranian connection. Alma Research and Education Center. https://docslib.org/doc/1898204/hezbollahs-land-of-tunnels-the-north-korean-iranian-connection/
