Relative Significance of Tectonics, Sea Level Fluctuations, and Paleoclimate to Cretaceous Coal Distribution in North America

摘要

The purpose of this research has been to address the quantitative and qualitative parameters of coal distribution which are considered to be responsive to the dynamic controls of tectonics, climate, and sea level change. These dynamic controls all operate through time and space with varying degrees of influence on coal accumulation and preservation. As a result, a geologic, climatic, oceanographic, and biologic overview which considers coal distribution for all of North America over the span of Cretaceous time is believed important for developing a holistic model to explain the principal controls on such distribution.