Coalification

/ˌkoʊəlɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The geological process by which plant material is transformed into coal over millions of years through heat and pressure.

Etymology

From 'coal' + Latin '-ficare' (meaning to make) + '-tion' (noun suffix). Scientific term that emerged in the 19th century as geology developed.

Kelly Says

Coalification is one of Earth's greatest alchemical processes—ancient ferns and forests that died 300 million years ago were buried and slowly transformed into the coal that powered the Industrial Revolution.

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