Notes on the Formation of Coal-seams, as suggested by evidence collected chiefly in the Leicestershire and South Derbyshire Coal-fields

Abstract

My principal object in this paper is to bring forward evidence in opposition to the view now generally accepted that coal-seams were formed from vegetation which grew on the spot. It seems to me that the growth-in-situ theory has been, or is still, held by the majority of those who have considered or written upon the question to be the right one, partly because the accumulation of the vegetable matter of coal-beds by driftage appears to be totally beyond our comprehension, and partly (probably chiefly) because we have been told and led to believe that the underclays of coal-seams contain the Stigmariæ which were the very roots of the trees the remains of which constitute the bulk of the coal. During an extensive experience in the midland district in connexion not only with coal-mining, but also with the working of the underbeds, the fireclays, both underground and in opencast workings, I have had unusual opportunities of studying the relationship of the coal-seams to the underbeds, their fossil contents, &c. The various points for consideration may be taken as under:— a . The relation of the fireclays to the coal-seams. b . Mode of occurrence of Stigmaria in underbeds. c . Erect fossil tree-stems with attached roots. d . Lamination of coal-beds. e . The presence of boulders &c. in the underclays. f . The foreign bodies in coal-beds. g . Marine fossils associated with coal-seams, brine, &c. a. It must not be concluded, because almost every coal-seam

Origin of an Underclay as Revealed by Vertical Variations in Mineralogy and Chemistry

“…Like other seat rocks, it is generally non-bedded, light colored, contains plant roots (Stigmaria) and randomly oriented slickensides, and may be calcitic near its base (Huddle and Patterson, 1961). A sharp contact exists between underclay and the overlying coal, but the lower contact commonly is gradational (Gresley, 1887). Underclay is generally several centimeters to a meter thick, but may be as much as 6 m or more (Grim and Allen, 1938).…”

Historical survey of the floating mat model for the origin of Carboniferous coal beds

“…Also, he can be called the father of coal petrology in North America. Short geologic papers by Gresley (1885Gresley ( , 1887Gresley ( , 1894aGresley ( , 1894bGresley ( , 1899, showed that coal composition, coal parting structure, coal underclay, and coal roof-bed architecture argue against coal bed formation in swamps. His competence in coal is demonstrated by perceptive questions (Gresley 1894b).…”