Lignite geology of southeast Williams County, North Dakota
The area of this study in southeastern Williams County, North Dakota, between the city of Williston and the Mountrail County line, is bounded on the south by Lake Sakakawea and on the west by the Little Muddy River. The Sentinel Butte and Tongue River Members of the Fort Union Formation of Paleocene age form the bedrock and contain numerous lignite beds. The four principal beds discussed herein are, in ascending order, the Pittsley, Avoca, Williston, and Mormon, each of which is at least 5.0 ft thick throughout most or all of the area. Current estimates of lignite resources in this area are 16 x 10/sup 9/ tons. Mining development has been restricted to small operations, either shallow strip pits at the outcrop or underground mines. All underground mining has ceased. The only current surface mining is for leonardite (weathered lignite) in one small mine near Williston. The structure in the eastern half of the area is dominated by the oil-producing Nesson anticline.
- Research Organization:
- Geological Survey, Washington, DC (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6647734
- Report Number(s):
- USGS-OFR-78-168
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
011000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
BROWN COAL
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
COAL DEPOSITS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGY
LIGNITE
MAPS
NORTH AMERICA
NORTH DAKOTA
RESOURCES
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
STRATIGRAPHY
USA