Refined methods for the evaluation of coal resources, quantum leaps in productivity
Studies of coal resource evaluations have been constantly refined since the inception of the Joint Coal Availability Project between the Kentucky Geological Survey and the U.S. Geological Survey in the mid 1980's. Originally geological, environmental, social and technical data was collected and analyzed on individual 7.5 minute quadrangles (areas of 50 to 60 square miles). Mineable coal beds were correlated using the best available data and map and mining information accuracy were closely scrutinized. Advancements in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and the development of regional databases have allowed the US GS to model the geology and mining restrictions in the same detail, but, for much larger areas coal fields and basins, than in the past. This paper will discuss the GIS programs, methodologies, and computer hardware used in the coal evaluations, and results of Illinois, Powder River, and San Juan Basins and Wasatch Plateau studies.
- Research Organization:
- US Geological Survey, Reston, VA (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20082384
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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