Coal (fuel source)

Coal mining in Wales declined due to a variety of factors including cheaper coal imports, depletion of easily accessible coal reserves, changing global energy markets, stricter environmental regulations, and increased competition from alternative energy sources. These factors collectively led to a structural decline in the coal mining industry in Wales.

A coal bucket is a container specifically designed for carrying and storing coal. Its design typically includes a handle and often a spout for easily pouring coal into a fireplace or stove. It is used to transport coal from storage to the place where it will be used for heating.

The region with the most coal deposits is called the Powder River Basin. It is located in the United States, specifically in Wyoming and Montana, and is one of the largest coal-producing regions in the world.

The coal reserves at the Folen mine are estimated to last for approximately 20-30 years, depending on factors such as extraction rate and demand. After that, the mine may need to be closed unless new reserves are discovered or alternative energy sources are utilized.

Coal forms from the accumulation and burial of plant material in oxygen-poor environments, such as swamps and bogs. The lack of oxygen prevents decay and allows the organic matter to undergo transformation into coal through heat and pressure over millions of years.

A longwall mining technique is often used to remove coal from deep underground coal seams. It involves a shearer cutting the coal along the face of the seam while hydraulic roof supports move forward, allowing the roof to collapse behind the shearer.

Sea-coal is a historical term for coal that was retrieved from coastal areas or imported by sea. It was commonly used for fuel in the past before being phased out in favor of other sources of energy.

Coal is typically removed from the earth through surface mining or underground mining. In surface mining, large machines called draglines or shovels remove the coal from the surface of the earth. In underground mining, miners dig tunnels to access the coal seams and extract the coal using machinery.

Coal is formed in a swampy, low-oxygen environment where plant material can accumulate and slowly decompose. Over time, the accumulated plant material undergoes compaction and chemical changes, transforming into coal.

They must be buried in the sediment pile and start to decompose aerobically as the pile thickens, they become heated and the decomposition products polymerize to form oils. If the carbon content is high and the organic matter in thick concentrations, solid carbon is also left as a residue (coal).

Water and land pollution caused by the waste deposits being dumped. Potential dangers of landslide from shale waste (Aberfan 1963). Waste entering the water course. Industrial machinery producing CO2 emissions, Dangers of emphysema to workers from dust created. and of course land displacement such as subsidence

Primitive plants such as giant ferns and horsetails died and sank to the bottom of the swamps where they grew about 300 million years ago. In the anaerobic conditions there they did not completely rot away, but were gradually buried deeper and deeper. The effects of heat and temperature gradually transformed them into coal.

Sea coal is a type of coal found in coastal areas which has been washed up or exposed by the sea. It is typically a low-grade coal that has been weathered and eroded, and is often used historically for heating and cooking fuel.

A place with coal and shale in the ground would likely be an area rich in natural resources suitable for mining and extraction activities. These areas often have a history of coal mining and may have associated industries and infrastructure related to energy production. Environmental considerations are also a key factor due to the impact of mining activities on the surrounding ecosystem.

Coal forms from the accumulation of plant material in swampy environments, which decomposes and transforms over time. The lack of coal deposits in rocks older than about 443 million years is due to plate tectonics and the movement of continents, which have caused older coal-bearing rocks to be buried too deep, where the heat and pressure have transformed them into other types of rocks.

Advantages of mining coal include its abundance, relatively low cost of extraction, and its versatility in providing energy for various industries. Coal is a reliable source of energy that can support economic development and provide jobs in communities that rely on coal mining.

Natural gas is considered desirable compared to coal or oil because it burns more cleanly, producing significantly fewer emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. It is also more efficient to burn, providing a higher energy output per unit of carbon dioxide produced. Natural gas is abundant and easily extracted, making it a reliable and cost-effective energy source.

According to the International Energy Agency, current estimates suggest that there are around 150 years of coal reserves left at current consumption rates. However, it's important to note that this figure can vary depending on factors like future technological advancements, shifts in energy policy, and changes in energy demand.

Coal is formed from the decayed remains of plants in swampy areas with high vegetation growth. The presence of these specific conditions, such as a lack of oxygen and pressure, is necessary for the formation of coal. Therefore, coal deposits are only found in regions where these conditions were present millions of years ago.

Thermophilic bacteria are commonly found in coal mine waste piles, as they thrive in high-temperature environments. These bacteria are capable of breaking down complex organic compounds in coal and releasing gases like methane during the process.

Coal can be used in geothermal power plants as a backup fuel source for generating electricity when geothermal energy production is insufficient. This can help ensure a steady supply of electricity during times when geothermal energy output may be limited or unavailable.

China is at the top of coal producers.
Other important countries are USA, India, Australia and Russia.

Todays coal was formed millions of years ago. Sum of the earliest coal deposits formed only about 1 million years ago whereas the old deposits are from 300 million years ago.

Coal is formed where plant life has died and then eventually sink to the bottom of swampy areas or the water level has risen and covered the dead plant life. Over time as the amount of dead plant life accumulates at the bottom of the swampy area it turns into a dense soggy material known as peat then as the land changed and the pressure upon the peat built due to deeper burial, sandstone and sedimentary rocks that may have formed due to the changing land, the water in the peat is squeezed out and when heat is added from the earths core, the peat is turned into coal.

A coal seam can be used as a key bed in stratigraphy by acting as a recognizable and widespread marker layer in the rock sequence. Key beds help correlate different rock layers in different locations based on the consistent presence of a specific marker bed, such as a coal seam, allowing geologists to establish the relative ages of rocks in various areas.

They use mines and dig for it.