1 1 gram of SO 2 for every million mL of air (parts per million by mass per volume). 2  Write ppm in terms of cubic meters. 3  There are a million cubic centimeters in a cubic meter (1 cm 3 = (10 -2) 3 m 3 = 10 -6 m 3) so one part per million of SO 2 by volume in air is actually 1 cm 3 SO 2 / 1 m 3 of air. 1 gram of SO 2 for every million grams of air (parts per million by mass); 2  1 mL of SO 2 for every million mL of air (parts per million by volume); 3  1 gram of SO 2 for every million mL of air (parts per million by mass per volume). 4  Write ppm in terms of cubic meters.
Mining is classified by the method needed to reach the coal seam. When the coal is found close to the Earth's crust and taking away the overlying layers of material is not too expensive, surface mining is used to remove the top layers of materials and expose the coal.If coal is found in layers far from the surface, underground mining is the preferred technique.Vertical or slanted holes (shafts) are cut down to the mining area underground for ventilation for the workers and for transporting the miners, equipment, and coal.ining is classified by the method needed to reach the coal seam. When the coal is found close to the Earth's crust and taking away the overlying layers of material is not too expensive, surface mining is used to remove the top layers of materials and expose the coal.
America is the Saudi Arabia of Coal Plant fossils of West Virginia are examples of the fossil flora that comprise the vast coal reserves that are typical in the Eastern United States. Coal is formed from ancient plant material accumulating over long periods of time in swamp conditions so devoid of oxygen that bacteria could not exist to cause decay. Being composed almost entirerly of plant fossils, coal is in effect concentrated sunlight, and is one of our most important fossil fuels. The United States as a whole has more recoverable coal resources than any other country on the planet-- over 262 billion tons-- enough to last over 200 years!