Скачать или смотреть How does the natural process of coal form?

The process of coal formation involves two main stages: a biochemical (diagenetic) stage, in which dead plants slowly decompose in a low-oxygen environment to form peat, and a geochemical (transformational) stage, in which peat is compressed and heated by sedimentary deposits over millions of years to change into lignite, then bituminous, and finally anthracite through a process called carbonization.

Stage 1: Biochemical (Diagenetic) Stage

Plant accumulation: Hundreds of millions of years ago, dense forests of ancient plants died and were buried in swampy or wetland environments.

Peat formation: These plant remains slowly decomposed in an oxygen-poor environment, forming layers of peat.

Compaction and decomposition: This process is driven by moisture, oxidation, and biological activity that decompose organic material, but the lack of oxygen prevents complete decomposition, allowing much carbon to remain stored.

Stage 2: Geochemical Stage (Malihan)

Pressure and Heat: Layers of peat are continuously buried by sediment deposits such as mud and sand over time, creating high pressure and heat underground.

Carbonization: This pressure and heat transform the peat into denser types of coal, starting with lignite (young coal).

Quality Improvement: With increasing pressure, heat, and time, lignite continues to undergo chemical changes. The carbon content increases, while hydrogen and oxygen decrease, forming bituminous coal (soft) and finally anthracite (hard and shiny).

Long Time: This entire process takes millions of years to produce high-quality coal.