SEISMIC MAPPING FOR COAL.

Few, if any, US coal regions are entirely uniform in geologic structure or devoid of irregularities in the coal bed or roof rock. Also, some regions have suffered more severe deformation of the original geology than other regions. When mining takes place in the subsequent faulted zones, there are usually complex problems to overcome. One problem that plagues underground coal mining is roof stability. Many roof falls have been caused by channel sands above or in the coal. This article deals with seismic methods to detect shallow-lying geologic formations for mapping heretofore unknown faults, folds and meandering channel sand deposits. Application of these methods could offer economic advantages to mine operators, and provide underground personnel with increased safety.