Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Appendix C
Glossary
ABAN-
DONED
IM-
POUND-
MENT
An impoundment that is not in operation and is closed. It has been filled to
capacity and reclaimed.
ACTIVE
IM-
POUND-
MENT
An impoundment that is in operation and receiving slurry.
AQUITARD A low permeability geologic horizon that restricts the migration of water
under ordinary hydraulic gradients.
ASH
The inorganic residue after burning, esp. of coal. The term is also used
informally to refer to the non-coal mineral matter associated with coal that
will become ash after combustion at the power plant. Coal with more ash
has less heating value.
AUGER
Mining equipment used to extract coal by boring horizontal holes into the
coal seam. Auger mining is conducted from the outcrop most typically in
conjunction with contour surface mining.
BARRIER
PILLAR
Block of coal left in place in an underground mine for safety and stability
purposes and to prevent water influx.
BASIN
(as used in this report)
Area of existing contours within an impoundment
that excludes the embankment; the area covered by slurry and water; both
the floor and the walls of the pool behind the embankment.
BEACH
(as used in this report)
The subaerial accumulation of the coarser fraction
deposited from slurry.
BED SEPA-
RATION
The parting of strata along upper and/or lower contacts due to subsidence.
BLACK
WATER
Water mixed with fine coal refuse.
BLIND
FLUSHING
Injection into an underground mine whose access has been obstructed.
BLOW-IN
Opposite of blow-out; catastrophic failure resulting from water pressure
building up on the surface of an outcrop coal barrier; the material “blows
in” to the underground workings from the surface.
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