Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which environmental condition primarily inhibits the complete decomposition of plant matter in the initial stages of coal formation?
Which environmental condition primarily inhibits the complete decomposition of plant matter in the initial stages of coal formation?
- Elevated temperatures
- High acidity
- Low-oxygen levels (correct)
- Abundant oxygen
What is the primary force driving the transformation of peat into lignite?
What is the primary force driving the transformation of peat into lignite?
- Increased exposure to oxygen
- Burial and compaction (correct)
- Chemical weathering
- Decreased pressure
Which type of coal is formed under conditions of metamorphism and stress?
Which type of coal is formed under conditions of metamorphism and stress?
- Peat
- Anthracite (correct)
- Bituminous coal
- Lignite
In sedimentary rock formation, what is the correct order of processes?
In sedimentary rock formation, what is the correct order of processes?
What is the main difference between compaction and cementation in sedimentary rock formation?
What is the main difference between compaction and cementation in sedimentary rock formation?
Which of the following best describes the process of lithification?
Which of the following best describes the process of lithification?
How does the depth of burial affect the formation of coal?
How does the depth of burial affect the formation of coal?
Which of the following processes contributes most to the creation of clastic sedimentary rocks?
Which of the following processes contributes most to the creation of clastic sedimentary rocks?
How does weathering contribute to the formation of sedimentary rocks?
How does weathering contribute to the formation of sedimentary rocks?
Considering both coal and sedimentary rock formation, which process is essential for both?
Considering both coal and sedimentary rock formation, which process is essential for both?
Flashcards
Peat
Peat
Partially decomposed plant matter in a low-oxygen environment.
Lignite
Lignite
A type of coal formed from increased burial and compaction of peat.
Bituminous Coal
Bituminous Coal
A denser type of coal formed from greater burial and compaction than lignite.
Anthracite
Anthracite
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Weathering
Weathering
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Erosion
Erosion
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Deposition
Deposition
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Compaction
Compaction
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Cementation
Cementation
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Lithification
Lithification
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Study Notes
- Coal forms from the accumulation of plant matter
Accumulation conditions
- Partial decomposition occurs
- Low-oxygen environments prevent full decay
Stages of Coal Formation
- Swamp/Peat: Initial accumulation and partial decomposition of plant matter
- Burial/Compaction: Plant matter is buried and compressed
- Lignite: Increased burial and compaction form lignite coal
- Bituminous Coal: Further burial and compaction forms bituminous coal
- Anthracite: Metamorphism and stress transform bituminous coal into anthracite
Sedimentary Rock Formation
- Sedimentary rocks arise from sediment accumulation and lithification
Weathering
- Pre-existing rocks break down into smaller pieces via chemical or mechanical weathering
Erosion
- Wind, water, or ice pick up and transport sediments
Transportation
- Sediments are moved to new locations
Deposition
- Sediments settle and accumulate in a basin or depression
Compaction
- Overlying layers compress lower sediment layers, reducing pore space
Cementation
- Dissolved minerals in groundwater precipitate and crystallize, binding sediment grains together, also known as lithification
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