Effects of surface coal mining and reclamation on the geohydrology of six small watersheds in west-central Indiana. Chapter B

Technical Report · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:5215433

Martin, J D; Duwelius, R F; Crawford, C G

Coal has been and will continue to be a major source of energy in the United States for the foreseeable future. Surface mining is presently the most efficient method of extracting coal. The mining practice, however, usually has a detrimental effect on the environment by altering topography and ecologic systems. Surface coal mining also can degrade surface- and ground-water quality and quantity. The U.S. Geological Survey began a study in 1979 to identify changes in the quantity of surface- and ground-water resources caused by surface coal mining in Indiana. As part of the study, six small watersheds in west-central Indiana were instrumented for the collection of hydrologic and meteorologic data. The Water-Supply Paper comprises two reports resulting from the investigation. The physical environment and coal mining history of west-central Indiana and the six small watersheds selected for intensive study are described in chapter A. The surface- and ground-water systems of each of the small watersheds and the hydrologic effects of coal mining and reclamation are described in chapter B.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Denver, CO (United States). Water Resources Div.
• OSTI ID: 5215433
• Report Number(s): PB-91-221077/XAB; USGS/WATER-SUPPLY PAPER--2368-B
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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COAL MINING
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
FEDERAL REGION V
GROUND WATER
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LAND RECLAMATION
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SURFACE MINING
SURFACE WATERS
TOPOGRAPHY
US DOI
US GS
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA
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