The Anthracite fields of northeastern Pennsylvania (Fig. 1) are deep synclinoria in which the Middle to Upper Pennsylvanian coal-bearing sequence is cradled by surrounding ridges of Lower Pennsylvanian conglomerate and sandstone. Elevations of the central valleys range from 150 to 500 m (500 to 1700 ft) above sea-level, whereas the ridge tops are between 350 and 675 m (1200 to 2200 ft).The five coal basins are customarily referred to as the "Southern", "Western Middle", "Eastern Middle", "Northern" and "Western Northern" fields. Collectively, they cover over 800 sq. km (500 sq. mi). All but the Northern and Western Northern fields will be visited, and most discussion relates to the Southern and Middle fields. This trip will include some of the stratigraphy, structural geology, coal geology, past and present mining practice, and history of this famous American mining district. |