Plant Debris: How Does Coal Form?

How Does Coal Form?

Coal forms from the accretion of plant debris, usually in a swampy environment. When a plant perishes and falls into the swamp, the standing water of the swamp defends it from decay. Swamp waters are usually deficient in oxygen, which would react with the plant debris and cause it to decay. This absence of oxygen allows the plant debris to persist. In addition, insects and other organisms that might decay the plant debris on land do not endure well under water in an oxygen-deficient environment.

To form the thick layer of plant debris required to products a coal seam, the rate of plant debris accumulation must be more than the rate of decay. Once a thick layer of plant debris is molded, sediments such as mud or sand must

Bituminous coal is formed when a sub bituminous coal is imperiled to increased levels of organic metamorphism. It has a carbon content of between 77% and 87% on a dry ash free basis and a heating value that is much higher than lignite or sub bituminous coal. On the basis of volatile content, bituminous coals are subdivided into low volatile bituminous, medium volatile bituminous, and high volatile bituminous. Bituminous coal is often mentioned to as "soft coal"; however, this designation is a layman's term and has little to do with the hardness of the rock.

Anthracite Anthracite is the highest rank of coal. It has a carbon content of over 87% on a dry ash free basis. Anthracite coal usually has the highest heating value per ton on a mineral matter free basis. It is often subdivided into semi anthracite, anthracite, and meta-anthracite on the basis of carbon content in the coal. Anthracite is frequently referred to as "hard coal"; however, this is a layman's term and has little to do with the hardness of the

Paper Industry and Aluminum Industry – Both these industries require large amounts of Fuel and Energy. Coal being the economical energy resource forms an essential input to these industries. The price and readiness of Coal is an important factor in the growth of these industries

5. Chemicals and Pharma Industry – Several chemical products can be made from the byproducts of coal. Refined coal tar is used in the production of chemicals, such as creosote oil, naphthalene, phenol, and benzene.

6. Coal Gas and Coal Liquid as Transportation Fuel – Present Transportation Industry does not make much use of Coal as Fuel. However, the increasing cost of Oil has made it reasonable to consider converting Coal into Gas and Liquid, which can be used to power vehicles, ships etc.

7. Coal tar- It is achieved as a byproduct in the process of making coke. Though its color is the same as coke, tar is a highly viscous liquid. It also has an awfully unpleasant smell. Coal tar is broadly used to manufacture paints, perfumes, synthetic dyes, photographic material, drugs and explosives. It can be utilized to make insecticides and pesticides. Naphthalene balls that are commonly used to keep moths away are made from tar. Coal tar is an ingredient of antidandruff and lice repelling shampoos, soaps and