How Coal is Formed

Question 1

Give the first step on how coal was formed.

Answer 1

Millions of years ago, huge ferns and forests grew in low lying wetland areas. They absorbed energy from the sun.

Question 2

Give the second step on how coal was formed.

Answer 2

Over time these plants died and formed into layers of rotting material. Eventually pressure from above packed these layers together to from peat.

Question 3

Give the third step on how coal was formed.

Answer 3

When sand and water collected on these layer they were pressed together even more tightly and this made a soft brown layer called Lignite.

Question 4

Give the fourth step on how coal was formed.

Answer 4

As more sand and mud piled on top, more pressure occured. The heat inside the earth helped to slowly turn the lignite in the earths crust into black coal.