How were coal deposits formed?
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Q. How were coal deposits formed?
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A. From huge forests floating as rafts on the surface of shallow seas.
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Q. Does this apply to all sorts of coal?
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A. No, only the hard coals formed during the Carboniferous and Permian periods.
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Q. How can such an extreme explanation be justified?
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A. It is the only explanation which explains some distinctive features of coal deposits.
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Q. Such as?
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A. First, coal seams are interlaid by layers of certain sedimentary rocks (limestones and shales) which are formed in seas, distant from shores.
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Q. And second?
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A. Hard coals are almost all carbon, with only about 2% ash -- typical of the above-ground parts of trees. They do not contain matter derived from soils.
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Q. Where is there more detail on this?
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Go to the Correct-Answer Home Page and List of Questions.