Detection and modeling of subsurface coal oxidation

The oxidation and sustained ignition of coal and coaly wastes within surface coal mine spoils in the southwestern U.S. have hampered the success of reclamation efforts at these locations. To assess better the magnitude, depth, geometry, and dynamics of the oxidation process thermal infrared remote sensing data have been used. Digital thermal imagery was found to be useful for this purpose and was integrated with finite different heat transfer models to yield predictions of several characteristics of the thermal source. In addition to thermal infrared imagery, aerial color and false color infrared imagery were found to provide useful information for the interpretation of oxidation phenomena by means of variations in surface vegetation, color of the surface material, subsidence, etc. The combined use of thermal infrared imagery and thermal modeling techniques are well suited for use in exploration and interpretation of other thermal targets.