coal seam
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A layer or stratum of coal embedded between layers of other rock: A "coal seam" is a naturally occurring, relatively thin, and continuous band of coal within the Earth's crust, bounded above and below by different types of rock.
Usage
- The term "coal seam" is used primarily in geology, mining, and energy industries to describe a deposit of coal that is mineable.
- It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).
Examples
- Noun:
- Miners excavated a rich coal seam that was over two meters thick.
- The geological survey identified a new coal seam in the region.
- Methane gas can accumulate within a coal seam, posing a safety risk.
Advanced Usage
- "Coal seam gas" (CSG) / "coalbed methane" (CBM): Natural gas that is found adsorbed within the coal seam itself. This is a distinct compound term related to the primary noun.
- The extraction of coal seam gas is a controversial industry.
Variants and Related Words
- Seam (noun): In geology, a thin stratum or layer of a mineral, such as coal or ore. "Coal seam" is a specific type of seam.
- Coalbed (noun): A synonym for "coal seam," though "coal seam" is more common in general usage.
- Stratum (noun): A layer or series of layers of rock.
Synonyms
- Coalbed: A bed or layer of coal.
- Coal layer: A descriptive synonym.
- Vein of coal: While "vein" typically refers to a deposit of a mineral that fills a fracture, it is sometimes used informally for "seam."
Related Phrases/Compounds
- Coal seam fire: A fire that burns in an underground coal seam.
- The coal seam fire has been burning for decades.
- Coal mining: The process of extracting coal from seams.
- Open-cut coal mining is used when the coal seam is near the surface.