Stages of Coal Formation

What do trees use from the sun and air to grow during the first stage of coal formation?

• Water and oxygen

• Energy from the sun and carbon dioxide

• Minerals from the soil

• Wind and rain

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

What happens to trees in the second stage of coal formation?

• Trees grow taller

• Trees fall down near a muddy swamp and sink to the bottom

• Trees are eaten by animals

• Trees are burned

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What collects at the bottom of the swamp in stage 3, stopping the plants from decaying?

• Sand

• Water

• Mud

• Rocks

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What happens in stage 4 of coal formation?

• The area dries up

• The whole area is flooded by the sea

• Trees start to grow again

• Animals move in

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What builds up on the sea bed in stage 5, creating pressure?

• Rocks and pebbles

• Layers of sand

• Ice and snow

• Leaves and branches

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What does the heat and pressure from the mudstone and sandstone turn the dead trees into in stage 6?

• Oil

• Diamonds

• Coal

• Gold

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

What is coal later used for, according to the final stage?

• Building houses

• Making jewelry

• Burning to release energy in power stations

• Feeding animals

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

What is released into the atmosphere when coal is burned in power stations?

• Clean air

• Harmful gases

• Water vapor

• Oxygen

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Which process is responsible for turning plant material into peat during coal formation?

• Evaporation

• Freezing

• Decomposition in wet, low-oxygen conditions

• Photosynthesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What type of rock often covers the layers of plant material before coal is formed?

• Sandstone and mudstone

• Marble

• Granite

• Limestone