Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: valeg96 on 22/07/2014 13:41:31
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So I'm on holiday in London, and walking by the southern bank of the river Thames (Tate/OXO Centre Area) I noticed some black pebbles on the small beach, next to the river. Upon collection and examination of the "rocks" it turn out it's bituminous coal, so lignite, organic matter, basically. The thing is there is quite a lot of it, all eroded and shaped in pebbles. Why is there coal in the Thames?
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Fell off a coal-barge ? ... http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/rights-managed/CA001117/coal-barges-on-the-thames
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Considering the long history of colliers unloading, especially at power stations, along the banks of the Thames, I think it would be surprising if there were not quite a lot of coal in the river.
Perhaps future generations will see dredging for coal in the Thames and rivers where colliers were loaded.
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Yes, I just had a brief walk and found lots of rather big pieces, including a 20x20x20 coal cube, I guess there really are hundreds of kilos in there... Thank you for the information, I'll use it for some expreriments and as a sample/free souvenir from London, lol
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Indeed, as RD & Bill have said, coal was transported on barges on the Thames. The main recipients of this coal were power stations such that at Greenwich and, of course, Battersea. I should think that over the years, tons of coal fell of the barges before they reached their destinations and during unloading.
The Thames has some powerful undercurrents, which a recent drowning serves to remind us. The dropped coal would have been dispersed all along the river.
So, you have a free souvenir from London, make the most of it, it is a rare commodity! I hope you enjoyed your visit, do come again soon. I'm sure we all look forward to fleecing you of every penny you own.