Geology
The formation of coal - Stage one
When a piece of coal is looked at under a microscope what is found is fragments of plants. Very often imprints of plants are found in the rocks lying just above a coal seam. Occasionally, a tree stump can also be found. In the rocks lying underneath a coal seam very often, dark worm-like markings are found which prove to be the remains of plant roots.
The discovery of coal
Coal was known to man many thousands of years ago. Ancient writings tell us that three thousand years ago the Chinese knew that certains kinds of black rock would burn.
The formation of coal - Stage two
Types of Coal
Peat & Lignite
Types of coal
Bituminous & Anthracite
Geological disturbances of coal seams
Geological disturbances of coal seams
Normal Fault
Geological disturbances of coal seams
A step fault A reverse fault A trough fault
The Fife Coalfield
The Fife coalfield can be split into two distinct areas. The West Fife coalfield which stretches from Culross to Cardenden and Kirkcaldy. The East Fife coalfield which stretches from Dysart to Leven. Each coal field is described in more details on the links below
