The variations with depth of the elemental concentrations in vitrinites in a series of vitrites have been determined using radiation from the Cornell high energy synchrotron source. All of the vitrites were selected from a single drill core sample of coal from the Emery coalfield, Utah. The results are compared with similar determinations using the Heidelberg proton microprobe. The advantages and disadvantages of the two techniques are discussed. Results are reported for S, Ca, Ti, Fe, Zn, Br, and Sr. For example, it is found that Fe increases from top to bottom of the coal bed in contrast to S, which decreases from top to bottom of the bed. Other features of the two data sets are also described. ?? 1984.