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Evaluation of coal resources in the Wibaux 1:100,000 scale quadrangle in eastern Montana using the National Coal Resources Data System

Conference · · Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States)
OSTI ID:6640746
Coal resources in the Wibaux 1:100,000 scale quadrangle have been evaluated using the United States Geological Survey's National Coal Resources Data System (NCRDS), in addition to evaluation by standard field mapping techniques. NCRDS' computer programs provide a graphic analysis of coal resources using numerical evaluation techniques. These programs were applied to the Harmon and the Peuse-Dominy lignite beds. This study includes a computer-generated cross section, coal isopach map, three-dimensional representation of coal thickness, coal resource map, and three-dimensional approximation of overburden. Comparisons with coal and clinker outcrop maps, structure contour maps, cross sections, and coal isopach maps produced by standard field mapping techniques provide sufficient data for a comprehensive coal resource evaluation. The Wibaux quadrangle is in eastern Montana, bordering North Dakota. In the northeastern corner of the quadrangle, the Harmon bed reaches a maximum thickness of approximately 9 meters, and the Peuse-Dominy bed reaches a maximum thickness of approximately 6 meters in the southwestern corner, with generally less than 30 meters overburden for either bed. Results indicate that in this quadrangle the Harmon bed is strip-mineable in most of the area of its occurrence, whereas the Peuse-Dominy is strip-mineable in approximately 1/5 of the are of its occurrence.
Research Organization:
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Butte (USA)
OSTI ID:
6640746
Report Number(s):
CONF-8510489-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States) Journal Volume: 17
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English