Preparation and analysis of coal seam data utilizing paleoenvironment modeling, hazard #7 coal, Eastern Kentucky

Abstract

Pennsylvanian strata of the Hazard coalfield, Eastern Kentucky, contain fluvial, upper-delta plain facies characterized by thick localized coals, bay-fill shales, levee silt- and sandstones, and channel-fill sands and gravels. Although the deltaic nature of these sediments has long been established, mining and exploration activities in the district require a thorough understanding of small areas within the delta environment. Coal quantity and quality trends in the Hazard #7 seam, the major producer in the area, have been examined in detail.The #7 coal accumulated in a peat swamp restricted laterally by a major fluvial channel. Three types of non-coal parting are recognized. Thin, tabular, fine-grained partings resulted from periods of increased terrigenous influx into the swamp. Lenticular crevasse-splay deposits locally split the coal. Wedge-shaped, fine- to coarse-grained partings, of probable levee origin, are found along the channel margin. Post-swamp deposits consist of thick bay-fill shales, thin shales, silt- and sandstones deposited on floodplains, and channel-fill sandstones and gravels.The modeling technique discussed provides guidance for mine development and regional exploration by prediction of coal seam quantity and quality trends from local geologic features. The thickest #7 coal is split by thin tabular partings and is overlain by thick shale sequences. Coal overlain by silt and sandstone is thinner and unsplit, and typically of higher heat value. Regional seam thinning due to channel scour is recognized. Factors which control the configuration of the coal seam include position within the peat swamp, proximity to the fluvial channel, swamp burial processes, and paleochannel sinuosity.