The anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania is divided into four fields covering 490 square miles.

The Northern Field extends through the Lackawanna-Wyoming Valley. Principal towns are: Forrest City, Carbondale, Scranton, Pittston, Wilkes-Barre, Plymouth, Nanticoke and Shickshinny.The Eastern Middle Field is Hazleton area, about 26 miles long and 10 miles wide, the smallest of the four fields. It includes the city and West Hazleton, Harleigh, Eckley and Audenried.The Western Middle Field runs about 33 miles and is about 4 miles wide. It incorporates Mahanoy City, Shenandoah, Ashland, Centralia, Mount Carmel and Shamokin. At its maximum, the field is about 4 miles wide.The Southern Field is the largest, at one point stretching 55 miles. It includes Jim Thorpe, Lansford, Coaldale, Nesquehoning, Summit Hill, Tamaqua, Pottsville, Minersville, Tower City and Lykens. The Southern coal beds also are deep, with layers reaching down to 2,000 feet.