Wood structures preserved in high rank bituminous and semi-anthracitic coal, Central Queensland

Abstract

Araucarian wood structures are readily observable in vitrinites of low rank coals in the Permian Rangal Coal Measures, Central Queensland, but in the higher rank coals of the same measures, the vitrinites are typically homogeneous in texture. However, wood structures are apparent in fusinites, and are herein recorded within syngenetic siderite nodular growths associated with the high-rank coals. Petrified wood remains are also preserved within tuff material associated with the coal seams.

The recognition of similar wood structures within the various ranks of coal allows the conclusion that a similar flora was dominant in all coals within the Rangal Coal Measures, and that gross differences in coal properties must be attributed to variations in peat accumulation and coalification.