Cumberland Coalfield Explained

The Cumberland Coalfield is a coalfield in Cumbria, north-west England. It extends from Whitehaven in the south to Maryport and Aspatria in the north.^[1]

Geology

The following coal seams occur within the Coal Measures Group in this coalfield.^{[2] [3]} Not all seams are present in any one part of the coalfield:

Middle Coal Measures Formation

• (series of unnamed coals)
• Brassy
• Black Metal
• Fireclay
• White Metal
• Little
• Slaty
• Tenquarters
• Rattler
• Bannock Band
• Main Band
• Lower Metal
• Yard Cannel Band
• Yard
• Lower Yard

There is also a Crow seam between the Metal and Bannock seams.

Lower Coal Measures Formation

• Half Yard
• Two Foot
• Little Main
• Eighteen Inch
• Lickbank
• Sixquarters
• Parrot
• Upper Threequarters Rider
• Upper Threequarters
• Lower Threequarters
• Upper Albrighton
• Middle Albrighton
• Lower Albrighton
• Harrington Four Foot

Towards the top of the underlying Stainmore Formation (or Hensingham Formation), which is of Namurian age, are the:

• Udale Coal
• Bedlam Gill Coal
• (unnamed coals)

See also

• Cumberland Miners' Association

References

54.6387°N -3.476°W

Notes and References

1. British Geological Survey 2007 Bedrock geology: UK North 1:625,000 scale geological map, BGS, Keyworth, Notts
2. Stone P. et al. 2010. British Regional Geology: Northern England (5th Edn), (Keyworth, Notts, British Geological Survey)
3. British Geological Survey 1:50,000 scale geological map sheets (England & Wales) 23 Cockermouth and 28 Whitehaven