Coal depositional models and the distinction between alluvial and delta plain environments

Abstract

The distinction between coal-bearing upper and lower delta plain deposits in the rock record may be based on the presence or absence of features indicative of basinal influence, and on the geometry of coal seams. Discriminating between alluvial plain and upper delta plain sequences is more difficult, but is considered possible on coal seam geometry and coal seam splitting patterns. Other features such as the cross-sectional shape of channel deposits may also be useful.