Depth to Coal Mining in the Colorado Front Range (frimndpthu)

Metadata:


Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: U.S. Geological Survey, Central Energy Resources Team
Originator: S.B. Roberts, J.L. Hynes, and C.L. Woodward
Publication_Date: 2004
Title:
Depth to Coal Mining in the Colorado Front Range (frimndpthu)
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Downloadable GIS Data
Publication_Information:
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey, Central Energy Resources Team
Online_Linkage: http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2006/193/
Larger_Work_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Originator: Biewick, L.R.H.
Originator: Gunther, G.L.
Originator: Roberts, S.B.
Originator: Otton, J.K.
Originator: Cook, T.
Originator: Fishman, N.S.
Publication_Date: 2005
Title:
USGS Interactive Map of the Colorado Front Range Infrastructure Resources
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Live GIS Data and Maps (ArcIMS)
Series_Information:
Series_Name: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series
Issue_Identification: DS-193
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Denver, Colorado
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey
Online_Linkage: http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2006/193/
Description:
Abstract:
This file is a digital polygon representation of the depth to (overburden above) abandoned underground coal mines in the Boulder-Weld coal field, Denver Basin, Colorado.  This file was created as part of the Front Range Infrastructure Resources Project (FRIRP) of the USGS, and provides information pertaining to energy resource issues within the Colorado Front Range urban corridor in and near the Denver metro area. These data contributed to the publication titled as follows:  Maps showing the extent of mining, locations of mine shafts, adits, air shafts, and bedrock faults, and thickness of overburden above abandoned coal mines in the Boulder-Weld coal field, Boulder, Weld, and Adams counties, Colorado: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Investigations Map I-2735, 1:48000-scale.
Purpose:
In 1996, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initiated a Front Range Infrastructure Resources Project (FRIRP) to provide relevant information to the public, land-use planners, and decision makers regarding the location and characteristics of water, mineral, and energy resources along the Front Range corridor in Colorado.  Energy resource issues within the FRIRP project area include the impacts of historic coal mining, particularly in regard to the potential for subsidence over abandoned mines in recently developed areas or in areas currently being evaluated as residential, commercial, and (or) industrial building sites.  In order to address this issue, the USGS and the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) jointly undertook the development of digital data (coverages) based on previously published maps showing the location and depth to abandoned underground coal mines in the Boulder-Weld coal field north and northwest of Denver, Colorado.  Mining in the coal field began in the early 1860s and continued into the 1970s with the last mine closing in 1979 because of fire.  Although much of the surface expression of mine development has been removed or masked by increasing urban and residential development, subsurface features of underground mining, such as shafts and open mine rooms, are still present.  Because of this, there continues to be a potential for subsidence in abandoned mine areas.
  
The primary purpose for compiling the Boulder-Weld coal field coverages is to provide the public and land-use planners with some basic digital data necessary for an initial GIS assessment of areas that have been impacted by coal mining.  Such areas may require special considerations with regard to development and surface subsidence potential.  It should be noted, however, that these data do not in any way provide the information necessary for a complete and accurate estimation of the subsidence potential in any specific area of the coal field.  For this reason, users requiring more detailed information regarding subsidence potential should consult with the Colorado Geological Survey, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 715, Denver, Colo., 80203; 303-866-2611; http://geosurvey.state.co.us.
Supplemental_Information:
The digital coverage of the estimated depth to (overburden above) abandoned underground coal mines is based on a previously published map compiled by the consulting firm of Amuedo and Ivey for the Colorado Geological Survey in the early 1970s (see Myers and others, 1975).  The primary intent of the coverage is to show the depth of cover (overburden) above the abandoned mine workings within the Boulder-Weld coal field.  Overburden polygons are categorized in intervals of 50 ft to a depth greater than 400 ft.  We have made no modifications to the original depth of cover interpretations as reported in Myers and others (1975).
Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2004
Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Status:
Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None planned
Spatial_Domain:
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -105.236110
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -104.897402
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 40.129634
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 39.925387
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Theme_Keyword: Mining
Theme_Keyword: abandoned coal mines
Theme_Keyword: undermined areas
Theme_Keyword: depth to abandoned mine
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: Gateway to the Earth draft 9 28-Jun-2002
Theme_Keyword: Coal resources
Theme_Keyword: Coalbed methane resources
Theme_Keyword: Economic geology
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ArcIMS Metadata Server Theme Codes
Theme_Keyword: geoscientificInformation
Theme_Keyword: economy
Theme_Keyword: environment
Theme_Keyword: imageryBaseMapsEarthCover
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Energy Program Themes Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: Environmental and Human Health
Theme_Keyword: Impacts of Energy Production
Theme_Keyword: Energy Resources
Theme_Keyword: Earth Science
Theme_Keyword: Natural Resources
Theme_Keyword: U.S. Geological Survey
Theme_Keyword: USGS
Theme_Keyword: Geology
Theme_Keyword: Coalbed Methane
Theme_Keyword: Coal
Theme_Keyword: Depth Maps
Theme_Keyword: Sedimentary Basin
Theme_Keyword: Coal and Coalbed Gas
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Place_Keyword: Front Range of Colorado
Place_Keyword: Boulder-Weld coal field
Place_Keyword: Colorado
Place_Keyword: Boulder County
Place_Keyword: Weld County
Place_Keyword: Denver Basin
Place_Keyword: CO
Place_Keyword: Front Range
Place_Keyword: U.S.
Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:
These data are considered more accurate at scales of 1:48,000 or smaller.  It should be noted that these data do not in any way provide the information necessary for a complete and accurate estimation of the subsidence potential in any specific area of the coal field.  For this reason, users requiring more detailed information regarding subsidence potential should consult with the Colorado Geological Survey, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 715, Denver, Colo., 80203; 303-866-2611; http://geosurvey.state.co.us.
Point_of_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Central Energy Resources Team
Contact_Person: Roberts, S.B.
Contact_Position: Geologist
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing address
Address:
U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, MS 939, Denver Federal Center
City: Denver
State_or_Province: Colorado
Postal_Code: 80225
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 303-236-7788
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-236-0459
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: sroberts@usgs.gov
Browse_Graphic:
Browse_Graphic_File_Name: http://certmapper.cr.usgs.gov/data/frip/graphic/frimndpthu.jpg
Browse_Graphic_File_Description:
depth to coal mining in the Colorado Front Range
Browse_Graphic_File_Type: JPEG
Cross_Reference:
Citation_Information:
Originator: S.B. Roberts
Publication_Date: 2004
Title:
Coal in the Front Range Urban Corridor--An Overview of Coal Geology, Coal Production, and Coal-bed Methane Potential in Selected Areas of the Denver Basin, Colorado, and the Potential Effects of Historical Coal Mining on Development and Land-use Planning
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Online Reports or Chapters
Series_Information:
Series_Name: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper, chpt. F
Issue_Identification: PP-1698
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Denver, Colorado
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey
Online_Linkage: http://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/2005/1698/
Larger_Work_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: U.S. Geological Survey
Originator: Fishman, N.S., ed.
Publication_Date: 2004
Title:
Energy Resource Studies, Northern Front Range, Colorado
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Online Reports or Chapters
Series_Information:
Series_Name: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper
Issue_Identification: PP-1698
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Denver, Colorado
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey
Online_Linkage: http://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/2005/1698/
Cross_Reference:
Citation_Information:
Originator: S.B. Roberts, J.L. Hynes, and C.L. Woodward
Publication_Date: 2001
Title:
Maps showing the extent of mining, locations of mine shafts, adits, air shafts, and bedrock faults, and thickness of overburden above abandoned coal mines in the Boulder-Weld coal field, Boulder, Weld, and Adams counties, Colorado
Edition: 1
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: map
Series_Information:
Series_Name: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Investigations Series
Issue_Identification: I-2735
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Denver, Colorado
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey, Central Energy Resources Team
Other_Citation_Details:
scale 1:48000
Online_Linkage: http://pubs.usgs.gov/imap/i-2735/
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Data_Quality_Information:
Completeness_Report:
Users analyzing the depth to abandoned coal mines coverage in conjunction with the USGS-generated digital coverage showing the extent of abandoned coal mines in the Boulder-Weld coal field should note that polygons depicting depth to mines might not correspond completely with the mine extent polygons in some areas.  This is because mine extent polygons were modified locally based on more current (post 1970s) unpublished information from the Colorado Geological Survey, whereas overburden polygons were not modified from original interpretations of Myers and others (1975).
Lineage:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Myers, A.R.
Originator: Hansen, J.B.
Originator: Lindvall, R.A.
Originator: Ivey, J.B.
Originator: Hynes, J.L.
Publication_Date: 1975
Title:
Coal mine subsidence and land use in the Boulder-Weld coalfield, Boulder and Weld counties, Colorado
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: map
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Environmental Geology Series
Issue_Identification: EG-9, 88 p.
Other_Citation_Details:
Prepared by Amuedo and Ivey (consultants) for the Colorado Geological Survey
Type_of_Source_Media: paper
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 1975
Source_Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation:
Myers and others (1975)
Source_Contribution:
The following discussion addresses some of the processes and caveats to the development of the depth of cover map, as reported in Myers and other, 1975.  Elevation data for the old mine workings was the most critical element for determining overburden, and the lack of these data in many older mine maps (pre-1920's) hampered interpretations to some degree.  In these cases, drill hole data and shaft-depth records were used to approximate the depth to mine workings if those data were available.  If such data were lacking altogether, estimations of overburden thickness were made by (1) extrapolating structure contour data for the top of the mined horizon from nearby mines where the same bed was being recovered, (2) obtaining records of water wells penetrating mined horizons, (3) interviewing miners, or (4) basing overburden estimates on similarities between subsidence characteristics in areas of known overburden to subsidence characteristics in areas of unknown overburden.

Where sufficient elevation data in the old mine workings were available, the overburden was determined by generating a structure contour map on top of the extracted coal bed horizon.  A topographic map was then superimposed on this structure contour data, and elevations on top of the extracted coal horizon were subtracted from surface elevations to create a contourable data set of overburden thickness values.  These thickness values were then plotted on the mine extent maps, and contoured in 50-ft intervals.  Where multiple coal beds were mined, the overburden represents the depth of cover to the highest mining level.  Four factors that contribute to the variation in depth of cover include (1) variations in surface topography, (2) variations in the mined stratigraphic level and the stratigraphic interval separating extracted coal beds, (3) structural offset of coal horizons across faults, and (4) the overall south to southeasterly dip of the strata, which results in increasing overburden in these directions.
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
The digital polygon data representing depth to abandoned mines were compiled from analog data plotted on a 1:24,000-scale composite base map (clear film) representing all or parts of nine USGS 7.5' topographic quadrangles within the coal field boundary.  To facilitate the scanning and digitization procedures required to create the coverage, photographic reproductions were made on scale-stable mylar for each 7.5' quadrangle area within the coal field area rather than creating a single photographic reproduction of the entire composite map.  Each 7.5' segment was then electronically scanned, and converted to a Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) image that could be imported into Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Arc/Info software for coverage development.  The depth to abandoned underground mines polygon coverage was developed from the "on-screen" digitization of depth categories as delineated in the 7.5' quadrangle TIFF images.  Users analyzing the depth to abandoned coal mines coverage in conjunction with the USGS-generated digital coverage showing the extent of abandoned coal mines in the Boulder-Weld coal field should note that polygons depicting depth to mines might not correspond completely with the mine extent polygons in some areas.  This is because mine extent polygons were modified locally based on more current (post 1970s) unpublished information from the Colorado Geological Survey, whereas overburden polygons were not modified from original interpretations of Myers and others (1975).
Process_Date: 2001
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Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector
Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:
SDTS_Terms_Description:
SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: GT-polygon composed of chains
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Spatial_Reference_Information:
Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Planar:
Grid_Coordinate_System:
Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
UTM_Zone_Number: 13
Transverse_Mercator:
Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999600
Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -105.000000
Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0.000000
False_Easting: 500000.000000
False_Northing: 0.000000
Planar_Coordinate_Information:
Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: coordinate pair
Coordinate_Representation:
Abscissa_Resolution: 0.000064
Ordinate_Resolution: 0.000064
Planar_Distance_Units: meters
Geodetic_Model:
Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983
Ellipsoid_Name: Geodetic Reference System 80
Semi-major_Axis: 6378137.000000
Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257222
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Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
Detailed_Description:
Entity_Type:
Entity_Type_Label: frimndpthu.pat
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Shape
Attribute_Definition:
Feature geometry.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
ESRI
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Coordinates defining the features.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: AREA
Attribute_Definition:
Area of feature in internal units squared.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
ESRI
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: PERIMETER
Attribute_Definition:
Perimeter of feature in internal units.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
ESRI
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: MINIMUM
Attribute_Definition:
the minimum depth (in feet)
Attribute_Definition_Source:
USGS
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 0
Range_Domain_Maximum: 400
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: feet
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: RANGE
Attribute_Definition:
the range of thickness (in feet)
Attribute_Definition_Source:
USGS
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 0 - 100
Range_Domain_Maximum: 400 - 450
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: feet
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: MAXIMUM
Attribute_Definition:
the maximum depth (in feet)
Attribute_Definition_Source:
USGS
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 50
Range_Domain_Maximum: 450
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: feet
Overview_Description:
Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
Data from Myers and others (1975) define the upper limit of depth to abandoned mine workings as > 400 ft.  Those polygons in the coverage that are within this category are attributed as follows: MINIMUM 400, RANGE >400, and MAXIMUM 450; all values are in feet.  The maximum depth in these polygons was arbitrarily set at 450 to maintain consistency with the 50 ft-thick contour interval used for all other polygons.  The maximum thickness for these polygons, however, can only be assumed to be between 400 and 450 ft.
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Distribution_Information:
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: USGS Information Services
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing address
Address:
Box 25286 Denver Federal Center
City: Denver
State_or_Province: Colorado
Postal_Code: 80225
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303.202.4693
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: ask@usgs.gov
Resource_Description: Downloadable Data
Distribution_Liability:
This publication was prepared by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed in this report, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference therein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof.

Although all data and software published are used by the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the U.S. Geological Survey as to the accuracy of the data and related materials and (or) the functioning of the software. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the U.S. Geological Survey in the use of these data, software, or related materials.
Standard_Order_Process:
Digital_Form:
Digital_Transfer_Information:
Format_Name: Shapefile
Format_Information_Content:
Depth to coal mining geographic features and attribute data for the Colorado Front Range
Transfer_Size: 91 KB
Digital_Transfer_Option:
Online_Option:
Computer_Contact_Information:
Network_Address:
Network_Resource_Name: http://certmapper.cr.usgs.gov/data/frip/spatial/shape/frimndpthu.zip
Digital_Form:
Digital_Transfer_Information:
Format_Name: Image Map Service (CO_FrontRange)
Format_Version_Number: 4.01
Format_Specification:
ArcIMS Image Map Service
Format_Information_Content:
A web-based interactive mapping system that accesses an ArcIMS Map Service running on certmapper.cr.usgs.gov.
Digital_Transfer_Option:
Online_Option:
Computer_Contact_Information:
Network_Address:
Network_Resource_Name: http://certmapper.cr.usgs.gov/pubs/servlet/MapViewerBroker?project=frip&Service=CO_FrontRange&OVMap=CO_overview
Access_Instructions:
This URL links to a web-based interactive mapping system that accesses an ArcIMS Image Map Service that runs in Netscape 4.7, Internet Explorer 4.5 and higher. The mapservice can also be accessed using any custom client that adheres to the protocol specified through ArcXML.
Fees: none
Ordering_Instructions:
This product can be downloaded individually using any one of the digit form, Network_Resource_Name URLs above. Each of these URLs  may provide access to various formats of the same product.
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Metadata_Reference_Information:
Metadata_Date: 20030922
Metadata_Review_Date: 20040805
Metadata_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Central Energy Resources Team, Data Management Project
Contact_Person: Laura R.H. Biewick
Contact_Position: GIS Coordinator
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing address
Address:
U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, MS 939, Denver Federal Center
City: Denver
State_or_Province: Colorado
Postal_Code: 80225
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 303-236-7773
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: datamgt@usgs.gov
Contact Instructions:
For inquiries regarding this document, please include the metadata contact person's name, dataset name, and publication series and number.
Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998
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