Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
OUTCROP
BARRIER
(Boundary/
Perimeter
Pillar)
Distance between the coal outcrop and the furthest extent of underground
mine workings in the direction of the outcrop.
PACKERS Plugs that are used to isolate fluid under pressure in a specific segment of
pipe in a hole.
PARTINGS Thin sedimentary layers that follow a surface of separation between thicker
units of rock.
PERME-
ABILITY
The capacity of a porous medium to permit flow of a given fluid.
PHREATIC
SURFACE
The groundwater interface or a zone of saturation where the water pressure
is equal to atmospheric pressure.
PIPING
Seepage through embankments, which can lead to failure by internal erosion.
POOL
Area of free-standing water separated from the slurry discharge point by the
beach; it may contain a low percentage of fines and ultra-fines, and
suspended and unconsolidated solids.
PROBA-
BLE MAX-
IMUM
PRECIPI-
TATION
The theoretical, greatest depth of precipitation for given duration that is
possible over a particular drainage basin.
P
-WAVE
Compressional seismic waves; sound waves; they travel faster than other
seismic waves.
QUAD-
RANGLE
MAP, 7 1/2-
MINUTE
GEOLOGI-
CAL
Topographic and geologic maps produced by the U.S. Geological Survey.
The maps depict an area of 7 1/2 minutes of latitude and longitude.
RAISE
(as used in this report)
The construction of an embankment in a staged
manner so that the embankment crest is higher in elevation than the
previous stage.
REFUSE
(OR GOB)
PILE
Area where coarse waste material (larger than 28 mesh, 800 micrometers)
is disposed.
RUN-OF-
MINE
Raw mined material, unaltered from what is transported out of the mine.
SIDE
SLOPE
Natural embankment.
SLIMES
Material in the waste stream smaller than 325 mesh (45 micrometers) and
composed mainly of clay or clay-like particles; have high moisture content
or the ability to retain water.
SLURRY
A mixture of water and solids (less than 28 mesh, 800 micrometer, particle
size) prepared for handling as a liquid for processing and disposal.
SOLIDS
CONTENT
(as used in this report)
The percentage of solids in a waste slurry.
SPAD
A flat spike, hammered into a wooden plug, anchored in a hole drilled into
the mine ceiling from which is threaded a plumbline. The spad is an
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