Coal: A Fossil Fuel
Fossil fuels are derived from plant and animal matter. They formed naturally over millions of
years. These energy-producing fuels are the remains of ancient life that have undergone
changes due to heat and pressure. The primary fossil fuels are coal, petroleum and natural gas.
Together they account for 85% of the world's energy consumption. Coal is a dark,
combustible material formed, through a process known as coalification, from plants growing
primarily in swamp regions. Layers of fallen plant material accumulated and partially decayed
in these wet environments to form a spongy, coarse substance called peat. Over time, this
material was compressed under sand and mud, and heated by the earth to be transformed into
coal. Some scientists refer to coal as sedimentary rock. Coal is primarily composed of carbon,
hydrogen, oxygen an