Black lines in this model represent coal seams, between lighter shales and sandstones. When separated the lower section shows a gently inclined valley floor, demonstrating the appearance of various rock outcrops and allowing for consideration of drainage patterns. Thomas Sopwith (1803 - 1879) was an eminent geologist and civil engineer who pioneered methods of representing geological features. This set of wooden models were designed to represent geological situations with faults, folds, inclines and strata that were particularly relevant to the mining industry.