Naturally burning coal fires and those ignited by human activities receive little attention from the media compared to other environmental hazards, but their study is gaining ground. Here, the world's leading experts present their research findings covering topics such as the gases generated in underground coal fires, the origin of gas-vent minerals and land-cover changes due to coal fires.

Coal and Peat Fires: A Global Perspective is a compelling collection of research conducted by scientists andengineers around the world. The first of four volumes in the collection, Coal – Geology and Combustion, features chapters that discuss the origin of coal and coal fires; mining and use of coal; combustion and coal petrology; environmental and health impacts of coal fires; combustion by-products; geochemical, geophysical, and engineering methodologies for studying coal fires; the control, extinguishment, and political implications of coal fires; and much more. - Integrates pioneering coal-fires research, with topical coverage of remote sensing, policymaking, and more - Serves as an essential guide to the socio-economic and geo-environmental impacts of coal fires