What is coal? Coal is a black sedimentary rock that can be burned for fuel, known for its high concentrations of carbons and hydrocarbons. Coal is also categorized as a non-renewable energy source because it takes millions of years to form. One of the leading theories on how coal is formed, known as the autochthonous theory, claims that there are 4 stages in coal formation.
The first phase is the production of Peat, which consists of partially decomposed plant matter. Normally, plant matter ends up in water will slowly break down due to the abundance of oxygen and carbon dioxide. However, when there is no oxygen present, the plant matter doesn’t fully break down. Whatever is left behind is called Peat.
The second phase is the converting of peat to Lignite. It is formed when high temperature and pressure compress peat into a denser form. What is left is known as Lignite, which is only used when more efficient …show more content…
There are many methods used to obtain coal, such as surface and underground mining
The method of Surface Mining is only used when it seems that the coal is near the surface. First, the overburden of dirt and rock is taken out by explosives. It is then removed from the work area by draglines or by shovels and trucks. Once the collection of coal is exposed, it is then drilled, fractured, and mined in individuals strips. Once that is done, the coal is loaded onto large trucks and/or conveyors for transport to wherever they are needed.
Underground Mining is split up into two methods: Room-and-pillar mining and Longwall mining. Room-and-pillar mining is where coal deposits are mined by cutting out sections called “rooms” and leaving behind “pillars” of coal deposits. Longwall mining involves the extraction of all of the coal in a section of the seam (or “face”) using mechanical
The first phase is the production of Peat, which consists of partially decomposed plant matter. Normally, plant matter ends up in water will slowly break down due to the abundance of oxygen and carbon dioxide. However, when there is no oxygen present, the plant matter doesn’t fully break down. Whatever is left behind is called Peat.
The second phase is the converting of peat to Lignite. It is formed when high temperature and pressure compress peat into a denser form. What is left is known as Lignite, which is only used when more efficient …show more content…
There are many methods used to obtain coal, such as surface and underground mining
The method of Surface Mining is only used when it seems that the coal is near the surface. First, the overburden of dirt and rock is taken out by explosives. It is then removed from the work area by draglines or by shovels and trucks. Once the collection of coal is exposed, it is then drilled, fractured, and mined in individuals strips. Once that is done, the coal is loaded onto large trucks and/or conveyors for transport to wherever they are needed.
Underground Mining is split up into two methods: Room-and-pillar mining and Longwall mining. Room-and-pillar mining is where coal deposits are mined by cutting out sections called “rooms” and leaving behind “pillars” of coal deposits. Longwall mining involves the extraction of all of the coal in a section of the seam (or “face”) using mechanical