Story of Coal
Coal, a fossil fuel, traces its origins back around 300 million years ago when dense forests flourished in wetland areas. Over time, these forests were buried under soil due to natural processes such as flooding, leading to compression and temperature rise. The remains of the vegetation underwent a slow transformation into coal through a process called carbonisation. Given its carbon content, coal is classified as a fossil fuel, alongside petroleum and natural gas, which were also formed from ancient organic matter.
Key Characteristics and Uses of Coal
Coal is primarily used as a fuel for cooking, generating electricity in thermal power plants, and supporting various industrial processes. By-products like coke, coal tar, and coal gas emerge from coal processing, each having numerous applications ranging from steel manufacturing to being a source for chemical products. However, as an exhaustible resource, its consumption raises concerns about sustainability and environmental impact, calling for responsible usage.