覆岩型矿震已成为部分煤矿面临的主要动力现象之一，理论判识矿震发生的主控岩层是实现矿震精准防治的基础。采用理论分析、数值模拟和现场实测等综合研究方法，梳理了煤矿震动事件和煤矿矿震的内涵及类型，厘清了煤矿震动事件与煤矿矿震之间的关系。提出了覆岩矿震关键层概念，总结了覆岩矿震关键层特征及其与关键层之间的区别联系，給出了覆岩矿震关键层判识方法。通过分析覆岩矿震关键层破断过程中的裂隙发育和能量演化规律，揭示了覆岩矿震关键层破断释能机制。结果表明：① 煤矿震动事件包括微型震动、高能震动和矿震，煤矿矿震可划分为覆岩型、断层型、煤柱型、底板型、褶曲型和复合型；② 覆岩矿震关键层是指顶板中一层或数层对覆岩型矿震的发生和分布具有控制作用的关键岩层(组)，根据空间赋存位置，可将其分为高位和低位2种类型；③ 考虑厚硬岩层破断条件和能量条件，提出了覆岩矿震关键层判别方法，案例分析表明该方法具有一定的正确性和适用性；④ 除采空区两侧的裂隙带外，覆岩矿震关键层与低位顶板之间出现水平剪切裂隙，层间节理应变能和剪切耗散能集中，岩层间发生剪切–错动。此外，覆岩矿震关键层内部还出现了水平向的层内裂隙，层内存在节理应变能和剪切耗散能聚集区，覆岩矿震关键层具有分层破坏特征；⑤ 当岩体所承受的实际最大应力超过岩层或结构接触面强度极限时，覆岩矿震关键层出现破断或结构失稳，形成覆岩型矿震，该过程中部分弹性应变能和重力势能转化为矿震能量以及各类耗散能等。研究结果可为覆岩型矿震防控提供理论指导。

Mining-induced seismicity in strata has become one of the main dynamic phenomena in some coal mines. The theoretical identification of the main controlling rock stratum where mining-induced seismicity occurs is the basis for accurate prevention and control of mining-induced seismicity. In this paper, theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and on-site observation are used. The connotation and type of mining seismic events and mining-induced seismicity are sorted out, and the relationship between mining seismic events and mining-induced seismicity is clarified. The concept of the Key Strata of Mining-induced Seismicity (KSMIS) in overburden rocks is put forward, and the characteristics of the KSMIS are summarized, and the difference between the KSMIS and key strata is presented. The identification method of the KSMIS is proposed, the crack development and energy evolution during the fracture process of the KSMIS are analyzed, and the energy release mechanism for the fracture of the KSMIS is revealed. The results show that: ① Mining seismic events can be classified into micro-seismic events, high-energy seismic events and mining-induced seismicity, and mining-induced seismicity can be classified into overburden rocks, faults, coal pillars, floor, folds and composite types; ② The KSMIS in overburden rocks refers to a layer or group of layers in the roof that control the occurrence and distribution of the mining-induced seismicity, and is classified into two types of high-level and low-level according to the location of the KSMIS; ③ Considering the failure criteria and energy characteristics of thick and hard rock layers, a method of identifying the KSMIS is proposed, and the method is verified by case study; ④ In addition to the crack zones on both sides of the mined area, horizontal shear cracks appeared between the KSMIS and the roof in low position. The strain energy and shear dissipation energy of the interlayer joints were concentrated, and the shear slip between the rock layers occurred. There are strain energy and shear dissipation energy accumulation zones in some areas of the KSMIS, and layering damage exists within the KSMIS; ⑤ When the actual maximum stress of the rock exceeds the strength limit of the rock layer or structural contact surface, the KSMIS will be broken or unstable, resulting in the formation of mining-induced seismicity in overburden rocks. In the process, some of the elastic strain energy and gravitational potential energy is converted into mining-induced seismicity energy as well as various types of dissipation energy, etc. The results of the study can provide theoretical guidance for the prevention and control of mining-induced seismicity in overburden rocks.