noun
- the geological process by which plant material, especially peat and organic matter, is converted into coal through heat, pressure, and time
Usage: technical; geology
Examples
- Coalification occurs over millions of years as buried organic material is subjected to increasing temperature and pressure.
- The rate of coalification depends on factors such as depth of burial and geothermal gradient.
- Scientists study coalification to understand the history of ancient swamps and forests.
- Coalification transforms peat into lignite, then bituminous coal, and finally anthracite.
- The degree of coalification determines the energy content and quality of the resulting coal.