You need JavaScript to view this

Anastomosing river deposits: palaeoenvironmental control on coal quality and distribution, Northern Karoo Basin

Abstract

Borehole data from an area close to the northern margin of the Karoo Basin 110 m thick coal reveal a bearing succession of the Vryheid Formation overlying Dwyka tillite. The lowermost sediments reflect processes of deglaciation with a complex array of glaciolacustrine, glaciofluvial and alluvial-outwash fan deposits. Above this paraglacial milieu, tundra-type peat bogs developed in inactive areas and account for the two thick basal coal seams (No. 1 and 2 seams). During accumulation of peat which was later to form the extensive No. 2 coal seam, active clastic sedimentation was confined to laterally restricted river channels which incised into the underlying peat. Lateral migration was inhibited by vegetation stabilized river banks and channel deposits are characterized by vertically accreted upward-fining cycles. Channel fill consists of coarse-grinder bedload sediment deposited in anastomosing streams. Flood episodes are marked by widespread, but thin (< 1 m), shale zones that intercalate with the channel sandstones. Both sandstone and shale units are completely enveloped by No. 2 coal seams. This clastic parting influences No. 2 coal seam distribution and ash content. 23 references
Authors:
Publication Date:
Jan 01, 1980
Product Type:
Journal Article
Reference Number:
EDB-84-060581
Resource Relation:
Journal Name: Trans. Geol. Soc. S. Afr.; (South Africa); Journal Volume: 83:3
Subject:
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT; COAL DEPOSITS; GEOLOGIC HISTORY; SOUTH AFRICA; COAL SEAMS; GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS; GEOLOGY; GLACIERS; PEAT; SEDIMENTATION; SEDIMENTS; AFRICA; ENERGY SOURCES; FOSSIL FUELS; FUELS; GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS; MINERAL RESOURCES; ORGANIC MATTER; RESOURCES; SURVEYS; 011000* - Coal, Lignite, & Peat- Reserves, Geology, & Exploration
OSTI ID:
5065204
Country of Origin:
South Africa
Language:
English
Other Identifying Numbers:
Journal ID: CODEN: TGSAA
Submitting Site:
HEDB
Size:
Pages: 327-332
Announcement Date:
Mar 01, 1984

Citation Formats

Cairncross, B. Anastomosing river deposits: palaeoenvironmental control on coal quality and distribution, Northern Karoo Basin. South Africa: N. p., 1980. Web.
Cairncross, B. Anastomosing river deposits: palaeoenvironmental control on coal quality and distribution, Northern Karoo Basin. South Africa.
Cairncross, B. 1980. "Anastomosing river deposits: palaeoenvironmental control on coal quality and distribution, Northern Karoo Basin." South Africa.
@misc{etde_5065204,
title = {Anastomosing river deposits: palaeoenvironmental control on coal quality and distribution, Northern Karoo Basin}
author = {Cairncross, B}
abstractNote = {Borehole data from an area close to the northern margin of the Karoo Basin 110 m thick coal reveal a bearing succession of the Vryheid Formation overlying Dwyka tillite. The lowermost sediments reflect processes of deglaciation with a complex array of glaciolacustrine, glaciofluvial and alluvial-outwash fan deposits. Above this paraglacial milieu, tundra-type peat bogs developed in inactive areas and account for the two thick basal coal seams (No. 1 and 2 seams). During accumulation of peat which was later to form the extensive No. 2 coal seam, active clastic sedimentation was confined to laterally restricted river channels which incised into the underlying peat. Lateral migration was inhibited by vegetation stabilized river banks and channel deposits are characterized by vertically accreted upward-fining cycles. Channel fill consists of coarse-grinder bedload sediment deposited in anastomosing streams. Flood episodes are marked by widespread, but thin (< 1 m), shale zones that intercalate with the channel sandstones. Both sandstone and shale units are completely enveloped by No. 2 coal seams. This clastic parting influences No. 2 coal seam distribution and ash content. 23 references}
journal = []
volume = {83:3}
journal type = {AC}
place = {South Africa}
year = {1980}
month = {Jan}
}