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Canyon Coal Bed Outcrop and Clinker Contact

Metadata also available as - [Outline] - [Parseable text] - [DIF]

Frequently-anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title: Canyon Coal Bed Outcrop and Clinker Contact
Abstract:
This shapefile contains a representation of the Canyon coal bed outcrop or clinker contact in the Decker coalfield, Powder River Basin, Montana. This area is part of the National Coal Assessment Rocky Mountain and Northern Great Plains Region.
Supplemental_Information:
The Canyon coal bed outcrop theme represents a digital line (arc) coverage compiled from published and unpublished geologic mapping conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey. The outcrop represents either (1) the trace of the exposed Canyon coal bed in outcrop, (2) the contact between the unburned Canyon coal bed and adjacent clinker deposits where the Canyon coal bed has burned, or (3) the trace of the lower Canyon coal bed where the Canyon coal bed has split into 2 benches of coal. Distribution of Canyon coal bed as depicted in this coverage is generally representative of the coal bed's distribution in the Decker coal field and nearby areas of south-central Montana. However, not all outcrops as previously mapped in adjacent areas have been included, and no information is presented for the Canyon coal bed within the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations. The Canyon coal bed (or lower Canyon coal bed) represents the lowermost coal bed in the Anderson-Canyon coal zone, which is the defined coal resource assessment unit in the Decker coal field. This coverage is used, in part, to define the areal limits for coal resource assessment of the Anderson-Canyon coal zone as part of the National Coal Resources Assessment (NCRA) project of the U.S. Geological Survey. The coverage is based on analog map data at scales of 24,000, 63,360, and 100,000. The majority of the coverage is based on a 100,000 scale of resolution, and it is strongly recommended that user application of this coverage should not exceed this level of detail. The trace of the outcrop (or clinker contact) was transferred from original maps (primarily folded paper copies) to a base stable medium (mylar) and registered using bounding control points in geographic (latitude and longitude) coordinates. The mylars were then electronically scanned to develop TIFF images and the images were then rectified in ARC/INFO for use as templates for subsequent on-screen digitizing of the outcrop line. Individual line (arc) coverages from the different map sources were then joined to form a single, composite line coverage for the Canyon coal bed. This line (arc) coverage was then generalized using a weed tolerance of 30 meters to reduce file size. The generalized cover was then converted to a shapefile for incorporation as a theme in the ARCVIEW project. Although this coverage is generally representative of previous geologic mapping pertaining to the Canyon coal bed in the Decker coal field and surrounding areas, no attempt was made to field check the final coverage for verification of its accuracy and completeness.
  1. How should this data set be cited?

    U.S. Geological Survey Central Energy Resources Team, 19990930, Canyon Coal Bed Outcrop and Clinker Contact: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1625-A, USGS Central Energy Team, Denver, CO.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -107.0195
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -105.7425
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 45.5365
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 45.0003

  3. What does it look like?

  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

    Calendar_Date: 1998
    Currentness_Reference: Publication Date

  5. What is the general form of this data set?

    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: map

  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?

    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

      This is a Vector data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):

      • GT-polygon composed of chains (7)

    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest .0001. Longitudes are given to the nearest .0001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees.

      The horizontal datum used is North American Datum 1927.
      The ellipsoid used is Clarke 1866.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378206.4.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/294.98.

  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

    dkoutlyer.dbf
    Shapefile Attribute Table (Source: None)

    Perimeter
    Perimeter of polygon (Source: Software computed)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0.1501
    Maximum:99041.0000

    Area
    Area of polygon (Source: Software computed)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0005
    Maximum:610238.0000

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)

  2. Who also contributed to the data set?

  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?

    USGS Central Region Energy Resources Team
    c/o Steve Roberts
    Box 25046 MS 939
    Denver Federal Center
    Denver, CO 80225-0046

    303.236.7788 (voice)

Why was the data set created?

The Nation's coal resources are being assessed by the USGS. This assessment identifies and characterizes the coal beds and coal zones that will provide the bulk of the Nation's coal-derived energy during the next few decades. This assessment is different from previous USGS assessments because digital files and databases are being stored in standardized formats, and being analyzed using a Geographic Information System (GIS).

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

    None (source 1 of 5)
    Baker, A.A., 1929, The northward extension of the Sheridan coal field, Big Horn and Rosebud counties, Montana: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin Bulletin 806.

    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 63360
    Source_Contribution:
    Contributed to delineation of the Canyon coal bed outcrop (or clinker contact) in parts of the Birney and Lodge Grass 30x60 minute quadrangles.

    None (source 2 of 5)
    R.P. Bryson and N. Wood Bass, 1973, Geology of the Moorhead coal field, Powder River, Big Horn, and Rosebud counties, Montana: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin Bulletin 1338.

    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 63360
    Source_Contribution:
    Contributed to the delineation of the Canyon coal bed outcrop (or clinker contact) in parts of the Birney and Broadus 30x60 minute quadrangles, Decker coalfield, Montana

    None (source 3 of 5)
    Culbertson, W.C., Unknown, Unpublished geologic map compilation of W.C. Culbertson.

    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 100000
    Source_Contribution:
    Contributed to the delineation of the Canyon coal bed outcrop (or clinker contact) in the Birney 30x60 minute quadrangle, Decker coalfield, Montana.

    None (source 4 of 5)
    Warren, W.C., 1959, Reconnaissance geology of the Birney-Broadus coalfield, Rosebud and Powder River counties, Montana: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin Bulletin 1072-J.

    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 63360
    Source_Contribution:
    Contributed to the delineation of the Canyon coal bed outcrop or clinker contact in parts of the Birney and Broadus 30x60 minute quadrangles, Decker coalfield, Montana.

    None (source 5 of 5)
    L.N. Robinson and W.C. Culbertson, 1984, Map showing isopachs of coal and overburden of the Canyon coal bed, Birney 30' x 60' quadrangle, Big Horn, Rosebud, and Powder River Counties, Montana: U.S. Geological Survey Coal Investigations Map C-96-B.

    Type_of_Source_Media: paper
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 100000
    Source_Contribution:
    Contributed to the delineation of the Canyon coal bed outcrop (or clinker contact) in the Birney 30x60 minute quadrangle, Decker coalfield, Montana.

  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

    Date: Unknown (process 1 of 1)
    The coverage is based on analog map data compiled at scales of 24,000 (7.5' compilation), 63,360 (15' quadrangle map compilation),and 100,000 (30' x 60' quadrangle map compilation). The majority of the coverage was compiled at a 100,000 scale of resolution, and it is strongly recommended that user application of this coverage should not exceed this level of detail. The trace of the outcrop (or clinker contact) was transferred from original maps (primarily folded paper copies) to a base stable medium (mylar) and registered using bounding control points in geographic (latitude and longitude) coordinates. The mylars were then electronically scanned to develop TIFF images and the images were then rectified in ARC/INFO for use as templates for subsequent on-screen digitizing of the outcrop line. Individual line (arc) coverages from the different map sources were then joined to form a single, composite line coverage for the Canyon coal bed. This line (arc) coverage was then generalized using a weed tolerance of 30 meters to reduce file size. The generalized cover was then converted to a shapefile for incorporation as a theme in the ARCVIEW project. Although this coverage is generally representative of previous geologic mapping pertaining to the Canyon coal bed in the Decker coal field and surrounding areas, no attempt was made to field check the final coverage for verification of its accuracy and completeness.

    Person who carried out this activity:

    USGS Central Region Energy Resources Team
    c/o Steve Roberts
    Box 25046 MS 939
    Denver Federal Center
    Denver, CO 80225-0046

    303.236.7788 (voice)

  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?

    No part of this data was checked for field accuracy.

  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

    Limited to software coordinate precision of geographic coordinates

  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

    This data is limited to outcrops (or clinker contacts) of the Canyon coal bed in the Decker coalfield area only.

  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

    Polygon features present

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints: None

  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 2)

    USGS Information Services
    Box 25286 Denver Federal Center
    Denver, CO 80225-0046
    USA

    1-888-ASK-USGS (voice)
    1-303-202-4693 (FAX)

  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

    USGS Professional Paper 1625-A

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

    This Compact Disc-Read Only Memory(CD-ROM) 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 on this CD-ROM have been used by the USGS, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the USGS 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 USGS in the use of this data, software, or related materials.

  4. How can I download or order the data?

  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 2 of 2)

    USGS Central Region Energy Resources Team
    Box 25046 MS 939
    Denver Federal Center
    Denver, CO 80225-0046
    USA

    303.236.1647 (voice)

  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

    The US Geological Survey provides these geographic data "as is." The USGS makes no guarantee or warranty concerning the accuracy of information contained in this geographic data. The USGS further makes no warranties, either expressed or implied as to any other matter whatsoever, including, without limitation, the condition of the product, or its fitness for any particular purpose. The burden for determining fitness for use lies entirely with the user. Although these data have been processed successfully on USGS computers, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the USGS regarding the use of these data on any other system, nor does the fact of distribution constitute or imply any such warranty. In no event shall the USGS have any liability whatsoever for payment of any consequential, incidental, indirect, special, or tort damages of any kind, including, but not limited to, any loss of profits arising out of use of or reliance on the geographic data or arising out of the delivery, installation, operation, or support by the USGS.

  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 1998
Last Reviewed: 1999
To be reviewed: 1999
Metadata author:
USGS Central Region Energy Resources Team
c/o Steve Roberts
Box 25046 MS 939
Denver Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225-0046
USA

303.236.7788 (voice)

Metadata standard:
FGDC CSDGM (FGDC-STD-001-1998)

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