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1.
On the Recent lobe of the Fraser River delta peat accumulation has actively occurred on the distal lower dilta plain, the transition between upper and lower delta plains, and the alluvial plain.Distal lower delta plain peats developed from widespread salt and brackish marshes and were not influenced appreciably by fluvial activity. Lateral development of the marsh facies were controlled by compaction and eustatic sea level rise. The resulting thin, discontinuous peat network contains numerous silty clay partings and high concentrations of sulphur. Freshwater marsh facies formed but were later in part eroded and altered by transgressing marine waters. The peats overlie a thin, fluvial, fining-upward sequence which in turn overlies a thick, coarsening-upward, prodelta—delta front succession.Lower delta plain—upper delta plain peats initially developed from interdistributary brackish marshes and were later fluvially influenced as the delta prograded. The thickest peats occur in areas where distributary channels were abandoned earliest. Sphagnum biofacies replace sedge-grass-dominated communities except along active channel margins, where the sedge-grass facies is intercalated with overbank and splay deposits. The peats are underlain by a relatively thin sequence of fluvial deposits which in turn is underlain by a major coarsening-upward delta front and pro-delta sequence.Alluvial plain peats accumulated in back swamp environments of the flood plain. Earliest sedge-clay and gyttjae peats developed over thin fining-upward fluvial cycles or are interlaminated with fine-grained flood deposits. Thickest accumulations occur where peat fills small avulsed flood channels. Overlying sedge-grass and Sphagnum biofacies are horizontally stratified and commonly have sharp boundaries with fine-grained flood sediments. At active channel margins however, sedge-grass peats are intercalated with natural levee deposits consisting of silty clay. These levees reduce both the number and size of crevasse splay deposits.Coal originating from peats of the different environments of the Fraser delta would vary markedly in character. Peats of the lower delta plain will form thin lenticular coal seams with numerous splits and have a high ash and sulphur content. Peats from the lower to upper delta plain will be laterally extensive and of variable thickness and quality. Basal portions of the seams will contain numerous splits and have a high sulphur content whereas upper portions will be of higher quality. Peats from the upper delta plain—alluvial plain will form thick, isolated and laterally restricted coal seams characterized by low ash and sulphur contents. 相似文献
2.
Petrographic analyses were carried out on thin coals and coaly sediments from the Lower Carboniferous Mattson Formation at Clausen Creek and Jackfish Gap-Yohin Ridge in the northern part of the Liard Basin, northern Canada. The composition and optical characteristics indicate that the coals are high-volatile bituminous B, predominantly sapropelic (canneloid) and accumulated subaquatically.The coals are dominantly composed of inertinite-rich and exinite-rich durities with subsidiary inertites and clarodurites; vitrite is minor and liptite is rare. The inertinite-rich microlithotypes are dominated by semifusinite, but micrinite, semimacrinite and ?resino-inertinites are abundant. Sporinite, comprising megaspores, crassispores, tenuispores and miospores, is the dominant liptinite maceral with subsidiary cutinite and minor alginite. Except for pyrite, mineral matter is minimal.Three populations of telocollinite are observed: a low-reflectance variety (I), commonly associated with micrinite (as vitrinertite), displays weak brown fluorescence and a reflectance some 0.4-0.5% lower than type II; type II is non-fluorescing telocollinite, with intermediate reflectance (0.67-0.74% Rom), it occurs as vitrite and is also associated with micrinite; and a higher-reflectance telocollinite (III), having no fluorescence or association with micrinite, has variable reflectance (0.74-0.8% Rom) implying higher oxidation or gelification levels.The abundance of semimacrinite, macrinite and ?resino-inertinites in inertites and durites (I) suggests that much of the peat accumulated subaquatically. Furthermore, fluorescing vitrinite and an abundance of micrinite (derived by oxidation or coalification of bituminite), suggest that the coal accumulated under anaerobic conditions. The predominance of semifusinite in humic laminae and micrinite in sapropelic layers suggests extensive surface or near-surface oxidation of the peat. Oxidised sporinites suggest that they were wind-borne.Depositional environment is interpreted as marginal marine, perhaps in shallow lakes in the middle to upper delta plain. Peat accumulations probably began subaquatically at the oxygen-hydrogen sulphide interface, but periodic subaerial exposure and natural oxidation gave rise to the high inertinite coals. Upper Mattson coals are interbedded with algal laminites and probably accumulated in a lagoonal setting. 相似文献
3.
本文通过滇东田坝黔西土城晚二叠世煤系上段沉积相、煤层特征和煤岩煤质的综合研究,系统分析了区内煤层形成时的沉积环境.按成煤的古地理位置分为上三角洲煤相和上、下三角洲过渡带-下三角洲煤相两大类型.根据成煤的原始质料、结构构造、煤岩特征和成煤前后环境,详细划分出八种泥炭沼泽相.着重探讨3号煤层形成时的泥炭沼泽相特征及其变化. 相似文献
4.
In the Leão-Butiá Coalfield, Rio Grande do Sul the coal seams occur in the Rio Bonito Formation, Guatá Group, Tubarão Supergroup of the Paraná Basin, Brazil and are of Permian (Artinskian–Kungurian) age.This study is the first detailed investigation on the coal petrographic characterization of the coal-bearing sequence in relation to the depositional settings of the precursor mires, both in terms of whole seam characterization and in-seam variations. The study is based on the analyses of nine coal seams (I2, CI, L4, L3, L2, L1, S3, S2, S1), which were selected from core of borehole D-193, Leão-Butiá and represent the entire coal-bearing sequence.The interpretation of coal facies and depositional environment is based on lithotype, maceral and microlithotype analyses using different facies-critical petrographic indices, which were displayed in coal facies diagrams. The seams are characterized by the predominance of dull lithotypes (dull, banded dull). The dullness of the coal is attributed to relatively high mineral matter, inertinite and liptinite contents. The petrographic composition is dominated by vitrinite (28–70 vol.% mmf) and inertinite (> 30 vol.% mmf) groups. Liptinite contents range from 7 to 30 vol.% (mmf) and mineral matter from 4–30 vol.%. Microlithotypes associations are dominated by vitrite, duroclarite, carbominerite and inertite. It is suggested that the observed vertical variations in petrographic characteristics (lithotypes, microlithotypes, macerals, vitrinite reflectance) were controlled by groundwater level fluctuations in the ancient mires due to different accommodation/peat accumulation rates.Correlation of the borehole strata with the general sequence-stratigraphical setting suggests that the alluvial fan system and the coal-bearing mudstone succession are linked to a late transgressive systems tract of sequence 2. Based on average compositional values obtained from coal facies diagrams, a deposition in a limno-telmatic to limnic coal facies is suggested. 相似文献
5.
6.
Microfacies and depositional environment of Tertiary Tanjung Enim low rank coal, South Sumatra Basin, Indonesia 总被引：2，自引：2，他引：2
The South Sumatra basin is among the most important coal producing basins in Indonesia. Results of an organic petrography study on coals from Tanjung Enim, South Sumatra Basin are reported. The studied low rank coals have a mean random huminite reflectance between 0.35% and 0.46% and are dominated by huminite (34.6–94.6 vol.%). Less abundant are liptinite (4.0–61.4 vol.%) and inertinite (0.2–43.9 vol.%). Minerals are found only in small amounts (0–2 vol.%); mostly as iron sulfide.Based on maceral assemblages, the coals can be grouped into five classes: (1) humotelinite-rich group, (2) humodetrinite-rich group, (3) humocollinite-rich group, (4) inertinite-rich group and (5) humodetrinite–liptinite-rich group. Comparing the distribution of maceral assemblages to the maceral or pre-maceral assemblages in modern tropical domed peat in Indonesia reveals many similarities. The basal section of the studied coal seams is represented typically by the humodetrinite–liptinite-rich group. This section might be derived from sapric or fine hemic peat often occurring at the base of modern peats. The middle section of the seams is characterized by humotelinite-rich and humocollinite-rich groups. The precursors of these groups were hemic and fine hemic peats. The top section of the coal seams is typically represented by the humodetrinite-rich or inertinite-rich group. These groups are the counterparts of fibric peat at the top of the modern peats. The sequence of maceral assemblages thus represents the change of topogenous to ombrogenous peat and the development of a raised peat bog.A comparison between the result of detailed maceral assemblage analysis and the paleodepositional environment as established from coal maceral ratio calculation indicates that the use of coal maceral ratio diagrams developed for other coal deposits fails to deduce paleo-peat development for these young tropical coals. In particular, mineral distribution and composition should not be neglected in coal facies interpretations. 相似文献
7.
A.B. Cadle B. Cairncross A.D.M. Christie D.L. Roberts 《International Journal of Coal Geology》1993,23(1-4)
The coal-bearing sediments and coal seams of the Karoo Basin, Southern Africa are described and discussed. The Karoo Basin is bounded on its southern margin by the Cape Fold Belt, onlaps onto the Kaapvaal Craton in the north and is classified as a foreland basin. Coal seams are present within the Early Permian Vryheid Formation and the Triassic Molteno Formation.The peats of the Vryheid Formation accumulated within swamps in a cool temperate climatic regime. Lower and upper delta plain, back-barrier and fluvial environments were associated with peat formation. Thick, laterally extensive coal seams have preferentially accumulated in fluvial environments. The coals are in general inertinite-rich and high in ash. However, increasing vitrinite and decreasing ash contents within seams occur from west to east across the coalfields. The Triassic Molteno coal seams accumulated with aerially restricted swamps in fluvial environments. These Molteno coals are thin, laterally impersistent, vitrinite-rich and shaly, and formed under a warm temperate climatic regime.Palaeoclimate, depositional systems, differential subsidence and basin tectonics influence to varying degrees, the maceral content, thickness and lateral extent of coal seams. However, the geographic position of peat-forming swamps within a foreland basin, coupled with basin tectonics and differential subsidence are envisaged as the primary controls on coal parameters. The Permian coals are situated in proximal positions on the passive margin of the foreland basin. Here, subsidence was limited which enhanced oxidation of organic matter and hence the formation of inertinitic coals. The coals in this tectonic setting are thick and laterally extensive. The Triassci coals are situated within the tectonically active foreland basin margin. Rapid subsidence and sedimentation rates occurred during peat formation which resulted in the preservation of thin, laterally impersistent, high ash, vitrinite-rich, shaly coals. 相似文献
8.
Channel samples of the Springfield (No. 9) and Herrin (No. 11) (Pennsylvanian, Desmoinesian/Westphalian D) coals were acquired in three mines each in the Western Kentucky coal field. Pyrite was characterized petrographically in terms of its size, form, and microlithotype association. Within each coal seam significant variations in the amount of pyrite of certain forms occurred between the sites. Pyritic sulfur as determined chemically did not exhibit significant variation between the seams or between the sites. The variation in dendritic pyrite in vitrite plus clarite between seams and between sites was highly significant and the variation in framboidal pyrite in vitrite plus clarite between sites was also highly significant. 相似文献
9.
Pulverized coals from eleven power plants burning Central Appalachian coal blends and eight power plants burning Illinois Basin coal blends were studied in order to assess the petrographic nature of industrial-scale coal grinding. All coals were high volatile bituminous. Coals were wet screened at 100 (150 μ), 200 (75 μ), 325 (about 40 μ), and 500 (about 25 μ) mesh. Petrographic analysis of the whole coals and size fractions consisted of a combined maceral and microlithotype analysis. Microlithotype analysis, in particular, provides a reasonable approximation of the whole-particle composition at the scale of utility coal pulverization. In the size fractions, duroclarite, the most abundant trimaceral microlithotype, is most abundant in the coarsest fraction and least abundant in the finest fraction. Vitrite, the most abundant monomaceral microlithotype, exhibits the opposite trend. Duroclarite becomes more enriched in vitrinite towards the finer sizes. The partitioning of microlithotypes and the partitioning of macerals within the microlithotypes is indicative of the relative brittle nature of vitrite compared to the hard-to-grind trimaceral microlithotypes. Increased vitrinite in duroclarite is an indication that the microlithotype within the particular size fraction is more brittle than relatively vitrinite-depleted duroclarite in coarser fractions. The relative grindability of microlithotypes will, in turn, impact combustion efficiency. 相似文献
10.
河北南部地区石炭一二叠系煤层煤种丰富,峰峰、邯郸矿区煤层的宏观煤岩类型以半亮煤和半暗煤为主;显微煤岩类型为微镜煤、微镜惰煤及微暗煤;煤的结构以细、中宽条带状结构为主,在半亮煤和半暗煤中最多;有机显微组分以镜质组最高,一般可占50％～91％,惰质组占10％～35％,壳质组含量一般不超过5％,对煤层气来说,这是比较有利的烃源条件：区内大淑村矿2煤的矿物质含量最低,其煤的吸附能力较其它矿区高;主煤层镜质组最大反射率具有北高南低的分布规律,揭示了煤的生烃强度具有由南向北逐渐增高的趋势。该区煤层气源岩不仅影响煤的生烃能力,还影响着煤层对甲烷的吸附能力和煤层气的开采能力。 相似文献
11.
华北晚古生代成煤环境与成煤模式多样性研究 总被引：23，自引：2，他引：23
华北晚古生代聚煤盆地存在活动体系成煤环境和废弃体系成煤环境。前者的海相成煤环境主要为泻湖泥炭坪,陆相成煤环境以三角洲平原沼泽意义最大。晚石炭世至晚二叠世,海相为主的成煤环境逐渐被陆相为主的成煤环境所取代,由盆缘到盆内成煤环境总体呈环带状展布。成煤环境差异性影响了成煤特点,这些成煤特点成为识别海、陆相煤层的显著相标志。华北晚古生代聚煤盆地在时间上和空间上存在成煤模式的多样性,以陆表海滨岸成煤模式、废弃碎屑体系成煤模式和浅水三角洲成煤模式为主。 相似文献
12.
中国西北侏罗纪煤系显微组分热解油生物标志物特征及其意义 总被引：4，自引：0，他引：4
从西北地区侏罗纪煤中分离出来的不同显微组分热解油生物标志物总体上比较相似,但在一些特殊生物标志物的分布上存在明显差异。藻类体、孢子体、角质体热解油Pr/Ph比值一般在1.5～2.0之间,镜质体和基质镜质体热解油Pr/Ph比值在3～4之间,但均只有相应原煤抽提物Pr/Ph比值的一半。在常规生物标志物甾烷和萜烷组成中,藻类体和孢子体含有相对丰富的C27甾烷,角质体其次,镜质体和基质镜质体C27甾烷含量很低或者基本不含C27甾烷;藻类体和角质体含有较高的伽马蜡烷,而与藻类体来自相同原煤的孢子体伽马蜡烷含量很低;镜质体和基质镜质体基本上不含伽马蜡烷;分离显微组分的原煤伽马蜡烷含量均很低。由此可见,伽马蜡烷的含量不仅与有机质沉积水体的盐度有关,与母源的成分也有关系。显微组分热解油与煤系原油生物标志物组成特征对比表明,煤系原油是藻类体、孢子体、角质体等富氢组分和相对贫氢的镜质组生成产物的混合物。不同油气藏中的原油,每一类显微组分的贡献可能不尽相同,有些原油可能主要来源于藻类体和孢子体等富氢显微组分,而有些原油除了富氢显微组分有贡献外,镜质组对其也有一定的贡献,但富氢显微组分应该是煤系含油气盆地中主要的生油显微组分。 相似文献
13.
Micro-FTIR spectroscopy of liptinite macerals in coal 总被引：3，自引：0，他引：3
Reflectance FTIR microspectroscopy has been used to investigate the chemical structure of the liptinite macerals, alginite, bituminite, sporinite, cutinite and resinite in bituminous coals of Carboniferous to Tertiary age. In comparison with the spectra of vitrinite in the same coals, the micro-FTIR spectra of liptinite macerals are characterized by stronger aliphatic CHx absorptions at 3000–2800 and 1460–1450 cm−1, less intense aromatic C=C ring stretching vibration and aromatic CH out of plane deformation at 1610–1560 and 900–700 cm−1 respectively and various intense acid C=O group absorptions at 1740–1700 cm−1. The peaks at 1000–900 cm−1 due to aliphatic CH2 wagging vibrations in olefins and at 730–720 cm−1 due to CH2 rocking vibration in long chain aliphatic substances ([CH2]n, n≥4), are characteristic of liptinite macerals. Collectively the micro-FTIR spectral characteristics indicate that liptinite is composed of greater numbers of long chain aliphatics, fewer aromatics and a broader range of oxygen-containing groups than other macerals. Marked differences exist in micro-FTIR spectra within the liptinite maceral group. Alginite has the strongest aliphatic and least aromatic absorptions followed by bituminite, resinite, cutinite and sporinite. The aliphatic components in alginite are the longest chained and least branched whereas those in sporinite are the shortest chained and most branched. Bituminite, resinite and cutinite are intermediate. Notable differences in micro-FTIR spectra of individual liptinite macerals, such as intensities and peak locations of aromatic C=C in alginite, C=O groups in bituminite and resinite and substituted aromatic CH and C–O–C groups in cutinite and sporinite, also exist, which are attributed to differences in depositional environments or biotaxonomy. 相似文献
14.
利用地层剖面岩相组合、沉积构造序列,结合粒度分布特征等分析了研究区晚三叠世沉积体系与沉积环境演化,建立了含煤岩系层序地层格架,讨论了含煤岩系层序地层学特征和煤层在层序格架下的位置、聚煤特征及空间分布规律。研究表明,晚三叠世含煤岩系沉积体系有浅海碎屑陆棚沉积体系、滨岸沉积体系及三角洲沉积体系,其中三角洲沉积体系的三角洲平原是区内最主要的成煤地带,煤层均位于SQ1层序的高位体系域内,分布于盆地中央隆起带内,向南、北两侧,由于水体加深而脱离沼泽沉积环境,不利于煤层的形成。中央隆起带是羌塘盆地今后重要的找煤方向。 相似文献
15.
根据盘南矿区马依西井田大量地质资料分析,认为龙潭组形成于潮坪、三角洲及海湾—泻湖沉积体系,下部为潮坪—潮道沉积组合,主要由潮坪相、潮道相、沼泽及泥炭沼泽相组成,形成的煤层硫分高,连续性差;中部为三角洲沉积组合,主要由前三角洲相、三角洲前缘相及三角洲平原相组成,其煤层硫分低,稳定性好,分叉少;上部为海湾—潟湖相沉积组合,由潟湖相局部海湾相及沙洲砂坝相组成。分流河道的泛滥盆地、支流间湾、废弃河道、潮坪—潮道为本区煤层的形成提供了有利沉积环境。 相似文献
16.
《International Journal of Coal Geology》1987,9(1):109-127
The influence of the intergrowth of macerals on the hydrogenation behaviour of two seam coals from the Ruhr district is investigated. Maceral concentrates of both coals were prepared. The maceral concentrates of each coal were mixed in such a manner, that the composition by macerals corresponded to that of the parent coal. Parent coals, maceral concentrates and the imitated parent coals by mixing maceral concentrates were hydrogenated under the same conditions. Feed materials and residues were characterized petrographically and chemically. Conclusions about the reactivity of the macerals itself, but also of their intergrowths could be drawn from the composition of the hydrogenation residues and of the conversion products. In spite of the same composition by macerals and identic total reflectograms of parent and imitated coals differences in portions and composition of residues were found. While the intergrowth of macerals (microlithotypes) of the low-volatile coal 2 seems to have a positive influence on the conversion of macerals, this seems to be opposite for the higher-volatile coal 1. Probably the lay open of the maceral surfaces has a positive effect on the hydrogenation of coal 2. Vitrinites and exinites proved to be very reactive as could be expected. They yield the highest portions of liquid and gaseous products. Inertinites participate in hydrogenation only with a very restricted reactivity. 相似文献
17.
河北宣东矿区含煤地层为中侏罗统下花园组,含有5个煤组,煤层多,标志层不发育,煤层对比较为困难。钻孔岩、煤心样品的岩矿、煤岩鉴定和孢粉分析等成果资料揭示:①长石砂岩主要赋存于Ⅲ煤组岩段及其以上地层,Ⅴ煤组岩段分布极少;安山岩屑砂岩集中分布在Ⅴ煤组顶底板附近,Ⅲ煤组岩段及其以上岩段未见;泥化安山岩屑砂岩仅分布在Ⅴ煤组岩段的下部;石英砂岩分布在Ⅴ煤组岩段底部与煤系基底地层接触处;鲕状粘土岩仅分布于Ⅴ煤组岩段下部,并常为煤组底板。②Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ煤组显微煤岩类型以微镜煤、微亮煤为主;Ⅳ、Ⅴ煤组多为角质微亮煤、微亮暗煤及丝炭微暗煤。③Ⅰ、Ⅱ煤组的裸子植物花粉含量丰富,占孢粉总数的40%～60%;Ⅲ煤组低于Ⅰ、Ⅱ煤组;Ⅴ煤组除克拉梭粉及苏铁粉含量占15%左右外,其它松科花粉少见。该结论可作为矿区岩、煤组(层)划分和对比的依据,对指导煤矿开采生产和邻区的勘查工作具有实际意义。 相似文献
18.
《International Journal of Coal Geology》1988,9(4):315-341
The early Permian Vryheid Formation is a fluviodeltaic tongue of sediment deposited on the passive northern margin of an asymmetric, intracontinental linear trough (Karoo basin). In the study area these strata attain a maximum thickness of about 270 m, comprising three informal lithostratigraphic members (Lower zone, Coal zone and Upper zone).The Coal zone is characterized by arkosic, coarse to very coarse, pebbly sandstones and subordinate fines arranged in upward-fining sequences, many of which are coal-capped. These units are interpreted as distal outwash fan deposits.Sedimentation patterns in the Upper and Lower zones are dominated by superimposed upward-coarsening sequences representing repeated wave/fluvially-dominated fan delta progradation.Peat accumulation in the cool, seasonal climate which prevailed during Vryheid Formation sedimentation was slow. Significant peat thicknesses were deposited only in areas of low basin/compaction subsidence in the Coal zone during a period of general stability. Extensive upper delta plain and alluvial plain peats formed on broad platforms created by abandonment of braided channel systems. The thickest peats accumulated in raised swamps where vegetation-stabilized contemporaneous channels promoted a high water table. Peat erosion by later channel activity was slight since channel widening rather than stream-bed erosion prevailed. Coals thin, split and contain more ash near loci of contemporaneous channel activity. Upper delta plain coals were not marine-influenced. Some lower delta plain coals also formed on broad abandoned deltas and are likewise extensive. Rapid compaction subsidence rates attracted channel activity or marine incursions and the seams are thin. Peats also accumulated in restricted emergent interdistributory bays during delta construction. These coals are thin, discontinuous, marine-influenced and contain numerous clastic partings. 相似文献
19.
North Carnarvon盆地是澳大利亚最主要的产油气盆地,也是世界上主要的富气盆地之一.三叠纪North Carnarvon盆地属于克拉通边缘坳陷,地层厚度巨大且平面分布广.中三叠世晚期澳大利亚西北陆架发生强制性海退,造成North Carnarvon盆地沉积格局发生转变,沉积环境由滨浅海突变为海陆过渡环境,从而沉积了两套差异性明显的地层,即Locker shale 和Mungaroo组.本文从宏观和微观、有机与无机入手,阐述了Locker shale 和Mungaroo组的古地理背景、沉积充填演化及其相关的烃源岩与有机质显微组分发育特征.宏观上,Mungaroo组发育大型三角洲,中粗粒分支流水道砂岩与暗色泥岩频繁互层,其中近端三角洲平原泥岩厚度较薄,薄煤层只局部发育,陆源有机质含量较高,平均TOC含量为1.59%;远端三角洲平原泥岩厚度较大,薄煤层广泛发育,陆源有机质含量高,TOC含量最高,达4.11%;三角洲前缘泥岩厚度较大,陆源有机质含量低,TOC含量低,为1.05%.Locker Shale以滨浅海相沉积为主,局部发育小型三角洲,其中开阔浅海亚相烃源岩厚度较大,前三角洲、滨浅海、开阔浅海三个亚相TOC含量相当,平均值为1.16%.微观上,Mungaroo组由近端平原亚相—远端平原亚相—前缘亚相壳质组含量逐渐增多,镜质组先增加后下降,惰质组先减少后增加;远端三角洲平原镜质组含量最高.Locker shale由前三角洲相—浅海相壳质组增加,镜质组和惰质组均减少.研究区三叠系烃源岩及有机质显微组分的分布规律与特提斯南缘特殊的古地理、季风洪水的古气候背景密切相关,Mungaroo组的远端三角洲平原为最有利的烃源岩发育环境. North Carnarvon 盆地三叠系岩相古地理格局与沉积充填演化规律体现了温室气候效应下阵发性水流主导的沉积特色,为类似地质背景下油气资源评价提供了新的思路. 相似文献
20.
In order to get detailed information about the facies and genesis of Upper Carboniferous coal seams of Northwest Germany, maceral analyses of complete seam profiles (Westphalian B-D, mainly Westphalian C) were carried out. Four main facies and twelve subfacies could be distinguished. The main facies are:
- 1. (1) The sapropelic-coal facies, consisting of fine-grained inertinite and liptinite, which forms from organic sediments deposited at the bottom of moor lakes.
- 2. (2) The densosporinite facies which is high in inertinite and liptinite and low in vitrinite. Syngenetic pyrites, clastic layers, thick vitrains and fusains do not occur. This facies originates from peats of ‘open mires’ with higher groundwater table and herbaceous vegetation. The ‘open mire’ was situated in the centre of extensive swamps. Consequently, clastic sedimentation did not affect this swamp type and nutrient supply and pH values were low.
- 3. (3) The vitrinite-fusinite facies, which is high in vitrinite. This is the result of abundant vitrains. Under the microscope, fusains were mostly identified as fusinite. The vitrinite-fusinite facies originates from a forest mire. More or less abundant seam splits and clastic layers show that rivers flowed in the neighbourhood of this area.
- 4. (4) The shaly-coal facies, which represents the most marginal part of the former swamp frequently affected by clastic sedimentation.