ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The rock classification described and illustrated in this book represents results of a series of trial and error experiments to determine the most complete yet workable classification for rocks in the Southern Appalachian Coal Fields. During these trials a number of people have helped substantially in collecting core samples and in conducting field experiments for various classifications and formats. They are Robert Aldrich, Bruce Baganz, Wendell Beavers, John Horne, David Howell, Paul Jaehnig, Thomas Jones, David Mathew, Noel Moebs, George Pedlow, Michael Robinson, and Gregg Smith. Their assistance is gratefully acknowledged.

Support for producing parts of this book was provided by the U.S. Bureau of Mines under contract No. H0230028 and No. J0188115, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management under contract No. YA-512-CT9-224 and the University of Kentucky. Cores from which samples were selected were provided by Alabama By-products Corporation, Alabama Methane Production Company, Auburn University, Consolidation Coal Company, Jim Walters Resources, North River Energy Company, U.S. Steel Corporation, Virginia Iron, Coal and Coke Company and the Westmoreland Coal Company.

The on-line version of this manual was prepared by B. Overfield and G.A. Weisenfluh