Coal rank variation in the Intrasudetic Basin, SW Poland

Abstract

The Upper Carboniferous, coal-bearing sequence of the Intrasudetic Basin (SW Poland) includes coals ranging from high-volatile bituminous to anthracitic rank. The lowest values of reflectance are recorded around the basin margins (0.6% R 0 max), the highest ones appear in the center of the basin (exceeding 4% R 0 max). Reflectance gradients are very high, reaching 0.6%/100 m in the centre of the basin. A comparison of the isoreflectance maps for three lithostratigraphical units—the Walbrzych, Bialy Kamien and Zacler Formations, with the present-day burial depth and the depth of burial during the Westphalian B/C—indicates that there is a strong relationship between reflectance and the sediment cover during the Westphalian B/C, particularly in the vicinity of Walbrzych and Lubawka. This suggests that the increase in coal rank is related to the increase in cover which permitted the temperature to build-up to high values. In the eastern and central parts of the basin and the Nowa Ruda area, higher reflectance than that derived from burial depth is observed which is believed to result from higher heat flow from the basement. The volcanic rocks of the Intrasudetic Basin appear to have little effect on coal rank and are not considered to be a significant contributor to the heat flow of the region. During coalification, the oldest Westphalian coal seams were buried to about 700 m and the youngest seams of the Walbrzych Formation to 900 m. Around the basin margins the coals had reached their present-day rank by the Westphalian B/C and in the central part probably by the end of the Stephanian. Most effective coalification took place during the Westphalian A,B occupying a period of less than 20 million years. The coalification temperature is calculated to be 160–170°C with a geothermal gradient of 8–10°C/100 m. These geothermal conditions support the suggestion of a volcanic origin for the Intrasudetic Basin.