The researchers used computer simulations to study how rocks move when mining steep coal seams in a mine. They found that mining multiple coal seams together causes more complex rock stress and movement compared to mining just one seam. The process of mining the upper coal seam affects not only the rocks above but also the mining of the lower seam. This can cause disturbances like unloading from mining upper seams and loading from support structures and falling rocks. Understanding these movements can help improve mining practices in similar conditions.