Understanding Coal Fires

The video explores the ongoing coal fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania, which began in 1962 and continues to burn due to a seam of coal. It discusses the global prevalence of coal fires, their spontaneous nature, and the challenges in extinguishing them. The environmental impact, including toxic emissions and ground collapses, is highlighted. Efforts to put out the Centralia fire have failed, leading to the relocation of most residents. The video also compares Centralia to Australia's Burning Mountain, a 6,000-year-old coal fire. It concludes with a call to support SciShow.

What is the primary cause of the coal seam fire in Centralia?

• A natural gas leak

• A lightning strike

• Spontaneous combustion

• Burning trash near a mine entrance

Which country is mentioned as having significant underground coal fires?

• Australia

• India

• China

• Russia

What is a key factor that makes low-grade coal more likely to combust spontaneously?

• High moisture content

• Exposure to sunlight

• Contact with open air

• Presence of sulfur

What happens when coal oxidizes?

• It turns into liquid

• It cools down

• It releases heat

• It becomes more dense

What is a common consequence of coal fires burning underground?

• Formation of new coal deposits

• Creation of sinkholes

• Increase in local wildlife

• Improved air quality

Why are coal fires in underground mines particularly difficult to extinguish?

• Presence of methane gas

• High pressure environment

• Abundance of oxygen

• Lack of water supply

What was one method attempted to extinguish the Centralia fire?

• Covering with fire-retardant blankets

• Pouring wet sand and cement

• Using chemical suppressants

• Flooding the area

How long is the Centralia fire expected to continue burning?

• 100 more years

• 250 more years

• 50 more years

• 500 more years

What was the US government's response to the ongoing Centralia fire?

• Building a protective dome

• Relocating residents

• Installing air purifiers

• Constructing a firebreak

Which location is mentioned as having a fire burning for thousands of years?

• Krakatoa

• Centralia

• Burning Mountain

• Mount St. Helens