Study areas

One coal field in Ningxia Autonomous Region (Rujigou coal field), two coal fields in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (Wuda and Gulaben coal field) and two coal fields in Xinjiang Autonomous Region (Ke-er Jian coal field and Tielieke coal field) were selected by Chinese and German partners as primary study areas. The study areas are easy to access, include different geological and morphological settings and are strongly effected by coal fires.