Mapping mountaintop coal mining's yearly spread in Appalachia

[Rhiannon12866]

New mapping tool uses satellite images to track annual changes in mining's footprint

Date:
July 26, 2018

Source:
Duke University

Summary:
A new mapping tool shows, in more detail than ever before, the land laid bare by mountaintop coal mining in central Appalachia each year, going back more than three decades. The tool uses satellite imagery to identify and map the annual extent of mining activity across portions of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The researchers say the updated maps will make it easier to assess and mitigate mining's environmental and health impacts.

The coal industry may have declined in the last decade because of the rise of cheap natural gas, but a coal mining method called mountaintop removal is still taking place, particularly in central Appalachia.

A new web-based mapping tool shows, in more detail than ever before, the land laid bare by mountaintop coal mining in central Appalachia each year, going back more than three decades.

The tool uses satellite imagery to identify and map the annual extent of mining activity across a four-state area including portions of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

In the journal PLOS ONE, researchers estimate that between 1985 and 2015, an average of 21,000 acres was converted to bare earth and rubble in central Appalachia each year -- an area about half the size of Washington, D.C.


More: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726085959.htm



A new mapping tool uses satellite imagery to reveal where mountaintop coal mining is underway in Appalachia, going back more than three decades. Forested areas appear green, whereas mined areas appear yellow.
Credit: Christian Thomas, SkyTruth

[Duppers]

1. Glad they're tracking this disastrous practice.

But how can we get the country to give a hoot? Too few even accept anthropogenic global warming. (Even had DUers disagree with me.)

This makes me sick because I love my mountains.



Thanks for posting this, Rhiannon.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. I agree, it's unforgivable that they're still ravaging this beautiful country like this

Yet another reason to get rid of Trump and his efforts to resurrect the coal industry and his absolute disregard for environmental protection. That photo is heart wrenching.

[Judi Lynn]

4. Thank you for posting the picture. Everyone should know what happens. n/t

[mountain grammy]

3. Disgusting practice for a dying industry..

hellbent on destruction on their way out.