With the Earth's skin peeled off, layers of coal lay open to the sky along the Mud River, in southern West Virginia. Coal companies here use a controversial mining method called mountaintop removal. Explosives first loosen the overburden of rock and dirt, which is then dumped into adjacent valleys. The result: polluted air, streams, and well water, and earthquake-like vibrations from the blasting. Aggrieved residents have formed activist groups and sued coal companies.
Camera: Canon Format: Digital Lens: 30mm Speed and F-Stop: 1/500 @ f/5
Weather Conditions: Clear Time of Day: Evening Lighting Techniques: Natural light
