Sulfur variability and petrology of the Lower Block Coal Member (Pennsylvanian) in Southwest Indiana

Padgett, P. L.; Rimmer, S. M.; Ferm, J. C.; Hower, J. C.; Eble, C. F.; Mastalerz, M.

Abstract:

The Lower Block Coal Member (Pennsylvanian-Atokan, Westphalian C) is an economic low-to medium-sulfur, low-ash coal resource in the Illinois Basin. Sulfur content is generally low (averaging 1.0%) in the study area, but varies over short distances. Higher sulfur areas occur as isolated pods and epigenetic pyrite increases significantly in the upper third of the selected columns in higher sulfur areas. Sulfur variations cannot be predicted by typical geologic characteristics such as roof lithology, seam thickness, or seam elevation. Petrographic analysis shows that pyrite is generally associated with brighter microlithotypes, except in higher sulfur areas where infilling pyrite forms are associated with inertite. Higher sulfur areas reflect the water chemistry of the paleomire during and shortly after peat accumulation. Locally, abundant pyrofusinite provided additional pore space for pyrite precipitation.The Lower Block Coal Member (Pennsylvanian-Atokan, Westphalian C) is an economic low- to medium-sulfur, low-ash coal resource in the Illinois Basin. Sulfur content is generally low (averaging 1.0%) in the study area, but varies over short distances. Higher sulfur areas occur as isolated pods and epigenetic pyrite increases significantly in the upper third of the selected columns in higher sulfur areas. Sulfur variations cannot be predicted by typical geologic characteristics such as roof lithology, seam thickness, or seam elevation. Petrographic analysis shows that pyrite is generally associated with brighter microlithotypes, except in higher sulfur areas where infilling pyrite forms are associated with inertite. Higher sulfur areas reflect the water chemistry of the paleomire during and shortly after peat accumulation. Locally, abundant pyrofusinite provided additional pore space for pyrite precipitation.

Genre:

Article

ProdID:

70021792

Citation Author:

Padgett, P. L.; Rimmer, S. M.; Ferm, J. C.; Hower, J. C.; Eble, C. F.; Mastalerz, M.

Citation Contributing Office:

Citation Datum:

Citation Day:

Citation Edition:

Citation Editor:

Citation End Page:

120

Citation Issue:

1-3

Citation Keywords:

Citation Language:

English

Citation Larger Work Title:

International Journal of Coal Geology

Citation LatN:

Citation LatS:

Citation LonE:

Citation LonW:

Citation Month:

Citation No Pagination:

Citation Number Of Pages:

Citation Online Only Flag:

Citation Phsyical Description:

Citation Projection:

Citation Public Comments:

Citation Publisher:

Elsevier Sci B.V.

Citation Series:

Citation Series Code:

Citation Series Number:

Citation Search Results Text:

Sulfur variability and petrology of the Lower Block Coal Member (Pennsylvanian) in Southwest Indiana; 1999; Article; Journal; International Journal of Coal Geology; Padgett, P. L.; Rimmer, S. M.; Ferm, J. C.; Hower, J. C.; Eble, C. F.; Mastalerz, M.