What happens during coal formation after plants die and fall to the bottom of a swamp?
1. Sediment and rock pile on top.
2. Heat and pressure build up.
3. Carbon-rich coal is formed.
4. Overall plant growth declines.
1. After plants die and fall to the bottom of a swamp, they begin to decay and accumulate, forming a thick layer of organic matter called peat.
2. Over time, sediment and rock pile on top of the peat layer, burying it and adding increased pressure.
3. As more layers accumulate, heat and pressure build up, causing the peat to undergo physical and chemical changes as it transforms into coal, a carbon-rich energy source.
4. The formation of coal itself does not cause a decline in overall plant growth. However, the natural process of plant growth and death in a swampy environment creates the conditions necessary for the development of coal-forming peat layers.