Question
Coal is a readily combustible rock that is found below the surface of the Earth. The pie chart below shows the unequal distibution of coal in the world.
Image courtesy of US EIA
Which of the following best describes what must have happened in the past that led to the huge coal reserves in the U.S?
A.
Plant matter must have been exposed to intensely cold temperatures until it became coal.
B.
Plant matter must have been buried and placed under heat and pressure until it became coal.
C.
Weathering and erosion must have transported coal from other areas to the U.S.
D.
Weathering and erosion must have caused soil and rock to break down to form coal.
Image courtesy of US EIA
Which of the following best describes what must have happened in the past that led to the huge coal reserves in the U.S?
A.
Plant matter must have been exposed to intensely cold temperatures until it became coal.
B.
Plant matter must have been buried and placed under heat and pressure until it became coal.
C.
Weathering and erosion must have transported coal from other areas to the U.S.
D.
Weathering and erosion must have caused soil and rock to break down to form coal.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The best answer is:
B. Plant matter must have been buried and placed under heat and pressure until it became coal.
Coal is formed from the remains of ancient plant matter that accumulated in swampy areas, was buried over time, and underwent geological processes involving heat and pressure, leading to the formation of coal.
B. Plant matter must have been buried and placed under heat and pressure until it became coal.
Coal is formed from the remains of ancient plant matter that accumulated in swampy areas, was buried over time, and underwent geological processes involving heat and pressure, leading to the formation of coal.