GC1GJ71 Delta Coal (Earthcache) in Alaska, United States created by Tundra-Quad

This cache has been archived.

Tundra-quad: No container. Earthcache. Not visited.

GC1GJ71 ▼

A cache by Tundra-Quad Message this owner

Hidden : 9/23/2008

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Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

Welcome to the location of the former Delta Coal Company. Recommend travel to location by 4WD or ATV in summer. Snowmachine in the winter.

This is an abandoned open-pit coal mine is located three miles east of the Richardson Highway along Ober Creek within the Jarvis Creek Coalfield. Some old equipment once used has been left behind. Delta Coal Company operated the mine during the 1960s but production was limited to local use. Produced coal for all the schools in FNSB that used coal for heat.(2)
CHRONICLE OF ALASKA COAL-MINING HISTORY

At Jarvis Creek the coalfield includes an incomplete section of the Nenana coal-bearing group, and is about 2,000 feet thick. It has been divided into three lithologically distinct horizons. The lower (quartz sand and conglomerate) and middle (arkosic sand) horizons are identified as the Healy Creek formation. The upper horizon (lithic sand) has been identified as the Lignite Creek formation. The other members of the group, including the Suntrana, Sanctuary, and Grubstake Formations, are not found at Jarvis Creek. Coal seam thickness varies from a few inches up to about 40 feet. Coal grade is primarily sub-bituminous, and anomalously high sulfur contents are common. Cleats, or fractures within coal, control permeability of the coal and gas production. Well developed, densely spaced cleats allow gas migration with less necessity for artificial fracturing. At Jarvis Creek, coal cleating is variable within and between seams. (1) Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys SUMMARY OF COALBED METHANE STUDIES, DELTA JUNCTION AREA, ALASKA

Alaska's coal resources constitute half of the U.S. geological coal-resource base.(2)

Being an Earthcache there is NO LOG to sign. To get credit for this cache the answer to the following questions in a separate email to Tundra-Quad:

1. How many layers of coal are visible?

2. What is the thicknes of the layer(s)?
Any visits not meeting these requirements will be deleted.

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