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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Journal of Sedimentary Research (SEPM)

Abstract


Journal of Sedimentary Petrology
Vol. 22 (1952)No. 2. (June), Pages 61-69

Was Decay Important in Origin of Coal?

James M. Schopf

ABSTRACT

Microbiotic conditions that existed in ancient peat deposits prior to their coalification were probably highly varied. Some of the probable variations are discussed with reference to common plant products and different agencies of decay. Differences in sulfur content may reflect greater anaerobic decay in Paleozoic than in younger coals, and the prevalent remains of saprophytic fungi in post-Jurassic coals suggests that, in these, aerobic decay was of proportionately greater importance. Plant material contributing to Paleozoic coal was, in general, less subject to mechanical degradation than is apparent in the younger coals in which the peat was affected by saprophytic fungi.


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