What is the origin of coal and where can coal veins be found?

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In summary, the "coal vein" refers to a specific location where coal can be found. There is a debate on whether coal is formed through water transport or through accumulation of organic matter. European geologists tend to believe the latter, while the French, who have studied the organization of coal, support the former. There is still a lack of understanding and consensus on the formation of coal deposits.
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Mentat
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What is the "Coal Vein"?

I've just heard this term, and am almost completely ignorant as to its meaning. What is the defintion of the "coal vein"? Where is it found?

Any information (or a link) about the "coal vein" is appreciated.
 
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  • #2
I've heard the term "vein" relating to minerals before. I believe it is due to fissures forming in old hard rock, and mineral rich sedimentation filling the cracks. I have no backing for this, it is just the way I always imagined it.

Njorl
 
  • #3
Here is a database of Pennsylvania Coal Veins:

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dms_apps/anthracite3.asp [Broken]

There also seems to be a town in North Dakota, Burning Coal Vein.

Njorl
 
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  • #4
Any more information?
 
  • #5
http://www.geocities.com/aleph135/morwell18.html
For over a century and a half a controversy has raged in regard to that all important mineral, coal. On the one hand it has been maintained that its raw materials are the result of transport by water and that consequently coal is essentially of the nature of an aqueous organic sediment. On the other hand, the opinion has been held that coal is in the main the result of vegetable accumulations similar to those in actual circum-polar peat bogs consisting of the subaerial deposits, representing the successive generations of fallen peat plants. The first view of the origin of coal is usually called the allochthonous or transport theory. The second is known as the autochthonous or in-situ hypothesis. European geologists have in the main in recent years held to the latter view and their American colleagues have for the most part followed them in this opinion. It is important to emphasize however that the earlier and even the current views in regard to the origin of coal are for the most part arrived at in complete ignorance of its organization. Except in very recent years figures revealing the organization of coal are conspicuously absent in geological works, even in those which particularly deal with coal. It is apparently not without significance that the French who above all others gave early attention to the actual organization of coal, are supporters of the transport or aquatic hypothesis of the origin of coal. Although new methods and improved old methods now give us real insight into the organization of coal, there is yet unfortunately in general little observable rational improvement in geological theories regarding the formation of coal deposits.

You can find the location of coal veins here: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dms_apps/anthracite3.asp?vein=Zero [Broken]
 
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What is the Coal Vein?

The coal vein is a layer of coal deposits that is found underground. It is formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and organic matter that have been compressed and heated.

How is a Coal Vein formed?

A coal vein is formed through a process called coalification. This process involves the burial of plant and organic matter under layers of sediment, which causes the material to undergo physical and chemical changes, resulting in the formation of coal over millions of years.

Where are Coal Veins typically found?

Coal veins are typically found in sedimentary rock formations, such as sandstone, shale, and limestone. They are often located in areas that were once covered by shallow seas or swamps, as these environments are ideal for the growth and preservation of plants.

What is the composition of a Coal Vein?

A coal vein is primarily composed of carbon, along with varying amounts of other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. The specific composition of a coal vein depends on the type of plant material that was present during its formation.

How is Coal extracted from a Coal Vein?

Coal is extracted from a coal vein through a process called mining. This can involve either surface mining, where the coal is located close to the surface and can be easily accessed, or underground mining, where tunnels are dug to reach the coal deposits. The type of mining method used depends on factors such as the depth and thickness of the coal vein, as well as the type of coal being mined.

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