Re: paleonet Coal formation

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Dear John,

On the face of it, coal formation is not particularly closely related to climate at all, since the Carboniferous northern coals are warm-climate coals while the Permian southern coals are cool-climate.   In the modern world, the largest peat accumulations are in the boreal tundra.   What is critical is that peat formation exceed the rate of decomposition of organic matter, and that is determined by the position of the water table.   For thick accumulations, the tectonic environment is a second critical factor.

Regards,

Stephen Carey


Stephen Carey
Geology Department, University of Ballarat
P.O. Box 663
Ballarat, Vic 3353  Australia
tel +61-3-5327 9268
fax +61-3-5327 9144


>>> John.Laurie@ga.gov.au 06/04/03 01:20pm >>>
Dear Paleonetters,
 
In compiling a study on petroleum source rocks, I have bumped into the
problem of why the large deposits of northern Hemisphere coal are
Carboniferous and why those in the former Gondwana (mostly southern
Hemisphere) are Permian. Is it simply a matter of climate, or are there
other parameters to be considered?
 
 
 
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Dr John R. Laurie 
Eastern and Onshore Petroleum 
GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA 
GPO Box 378         
Canberra ACT 2601       
Australia 
              
Tel: (02) 6249 9412; Fax: (02) 6249 9980 
E-mail: John.Laurie@ga.gov.au 
Street Address: 
Cnr Jerrabomberra Avenue & Hindmarsh Drive 
Symonston ACT 2609 
ABN 80 091 799 039 
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