Spanish Peaks Region

Two general areao in Colorado exhibit extensive alteration of coalo by igneouo intrusives. The first locality it near Somerset in the west central part of the state, and the second area is the Spanish Peaks region near Trinidad and Walsenburg. Drill core samples, outcrop samples, materials from active mines, and thin sections of the intrusive rocks were studied. The results show that mean maximum reflectance of the altered coal or natural coke increases as the distance from an intrusive body decreases. Carbon and ash values increase as the distance from intrusive decreases whereas volatile matter values decrease. Sulfur data are variable. Hydrogen values increase as the distance from an intrusive increases. Hydrogen and reflectance are considered the most sensitive and reliable indicators of degree of alteration. 

Figure 1. Index map. Insert in upper right comer shows location of two general regions in Colorado. Main map shows sample sites in the Spanish Peaks region. Modified from Johnson (9)...

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