What's the origin of coal

Answer 1

Coal originated from ancient plants that flourished in swamp-like environments millions of years ago. In Virginia, coal was formed mainly during the Carboniferous period of the Earth's history, 280 to 360 million years ago. There are also coalbeds in Virginia that were formed during the Triassic period, 205 to 245 million years ago. By comparison, most of the coals in the western U.S. were formed during the Cretaceous period, 70 to 140 million years ago, and the Tertiary period, 2 to 70 million years ago.

Answer 2

Coal forms from the remains of plants that lived in swamps and marshes millions of years ago. Over time, the organic material decays and is buried under layers of sediment. Heat and pressure from the Earth's crust turns the plant material into coal through a process called coalification.