coal measures: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “coal measures” mean?
A sequence of sedimentary rock strata containing coal seams, typically from the Carboniferous period.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sequence of sedimentary rock strata containing coal seams, typically from the Carboniferous period.
In geology, a specific stratigraphic unit or series of rocks characterized by the presence of workable coal seams, often used to refer to the entire coal-bearing formation in a region.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is identical in form and meaning. More historically prevalent in UK due to its mining history, but technically identical in US geology.
Connotations
In the UK, strongly associated with the Industrial Revolution and regional identities (e.g., Yorkshire, Lancashire). In the US, more purely a geological term.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English in historical/industrial contexts. In US English, primarily found in geological literature.
Grammar
How to Use “coal measures” in a Sentence
The coal measures [VERB]...coal measures of [PLACE]coal measures containing [MATERIAL]coal measures that [CLAUSE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coal measures” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not commonly used as a standalone adjective]
American English
- [Not commonly used as a standalone adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in mining, energy, and resource investment reports to describe the geological asset.
Academic
Standard term in geology, palaeontology, and earth science papers.
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in historical documentaries or regional heritage discussions.
Technical
Precise stratigraphic term in geological surveys, mining engineering, and resource assessment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coal measures”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coal measures”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coal measures”
- Using singular 'coal measure'.
- Confusing with 'coal reserves' or 'coal resources'.
- Misinterpreting 'measures' as actions or units of measurement.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is always treated as a plural noun (e.g., 'The coal measures are...').
It primarily refers to the geological formation. Modern mining activity would be described as 'mining the coal measures'.
'Coal measures' refers to the entire sequence of rock strata that includes coal seams, along with intervening layers of shale, sandstone, etc. A 'coal seam' is a single, distinct layer of coal within those measures.
It is almost exclusively a geological and historical/industrial term. It is not used in everyday conversation.
A sequence of sedimentary rock strata containing coal seams, typically from the Carboniferous period.
Coal measures is usually technical/scientific in register.
Coal measures: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊl ˌmɛʒəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊl ˌmɛʒɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MEASURES of rock that contain COAL.' It's not about measuring coal, but the rock layers that hold it.
Conceptual Metaphor
Geological layer as a container (the measures contain the coal). Historical archive (the measures hold the fossilised remains of ancient forests).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'coal measures' specifically refer to?