Describe and explain the changes organic material undergo in coalification

Organic material accumulates in an area of fast plant growth and anaerobic conditons (which stops the vegetation decaying), such as a tropical delta, the organic material is buried which leads to increases in temperature (due to the geothermal gradient) and pressure which expels volatiles from the organic material, forming peat. As the peat is buried further the temperature and pressure continue to increase, and the % of volatiles decreases, and so the rank of the coal increases through lignite, then bituminous coal and then finally anthracite. Throughout this process, the coal colour gets darker, the coal becomes more reflective, has a higher carbon %, a lower volatiles % and a higher enthalpy change of combustion.

CB
Answered by Callum B. Geology tutor

1770 Views

See similar Geology A Level tutors

Related Geology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the differences between regional and contact metamorphism.


You are given layers A,F,D,H without knowing their relative or specific age. Write two ways you can know which layer is the oldest.


What are some hypotheses to explain the Permo-Triassic mass extinction? (when 95% of marine invertebrates and 77% of land species became extinct)


Explain the features and differences between the icehouse and the greenhouse effect?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning