What is 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 is formed from the remains of plants that lived millions of years ago in swampy environments. Over time, the plant material was buried under layers of sediment and subjected to heat and pressure, eventually transforming into coal through a process known as coalification.