Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 6
u
u
The Effects of Global Coal Fires
CHAPTER CONTENTS
6.1 The Global Catastrophe
Introduction
The Mining Hazard
Catastrophic Coal Fires
Discussion
Acknowledgments
Important Terms
References
WWW Addresses:
Additional Reading
Important effects of coal fires include the destruction of a valuable natural resource and the
emission of toxic and greenhouse gases. The fire in the exposed coal seam (left) occurred
in the Jharia coalfield, India. Jharia is the largest coalfield in India, and the country
s
primary source of coking coal. The surface and subsurface fires burning there comprise
one of the largest coal-mine-fire complexes in the world. The excavated material (right) is
backfilled to seal openings, called goafs, left after mining. The smoke is high in particu-
lates in addition to oxides and dioxides of sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen.
'
Photo by Anupma
Prakash, 1994.
