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.

Answered by Callum B. Geology tutor

1626 Views

See similar Geology A Level tutors

Related Geology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between Oceanic and Continental Crust? What happens to the Oceanic crust when they collide?


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


Are felsic or mafic magmas more explosive


Describe the Difference Between ‘Faults’ and ‘Joints’ in Rocks.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences