BGS Rock Classification Scheme
Peat - A type of sediment rich in organic matter. It is the unlithified end-member of the pure humic coal series. The members of the pure humic coal series can be ranked in order as peat (the unlithified form), lignite, bituminous-coal, and anthracite (the lithified forms) based on increasing carbon content and decreasing volatile content. Peat is an unconsolidated deposit of semi-carbonised plant remains, with individual plant remains commonly seen with the unaided eye. Peat has a yellowish brown to brownish black colour, is generally of a fibrous consistency and can be plastic or friable. In its natural state it can be cut and has a very high moisture content (> 75%, generally > 90%). It can be distinguished from lignite by the fact that the greater part of its moisture content can be squeezed out by pressure (e.g. in the hand). British Geological Survey Research Report RR/99/03, section 6.1, table 16 and fig. 10.
| Code | PEAT |
|---|---|
| Description | Peat - A type of sediment rich in organic matter. It is the unlithified end-member of the pure humic coal series. The members of the pure humic coal series can be ranked in order as peat (the unlithified form), lignite, bituminous-coal, and anthracite (the lithified forms) based on increasing carbon content and decreasing volatile content. Peat is an unconsolidated deposit of semi-carbonised plant remains, with individual plant remains commonly seen with the unaided eye. Peat has a yellowish brown to brownish black colour, is generally of a fibrous consistency and can be plastic or friable. In its natural state it can be cut and has a very high moisture content (> 75%, generally > 90%). It can be distinguished from lignite by the fact that the greater part of its moisture content can be squeezed out by pressure (e.g. in the hand). British Geological Survey Research Report RR/99/03, section 6.1, table 16 and fig. 10. |
| Qualifiers | No qualifiers currently exist. |
| Definition | Unlithified heterogeneous mixture of a wide range of semi-carbonised plant debris, individually discernable. Brown to black, plastic/friable/cut by knife, 75 to >90% water. Hand squeezing releases water, <60% carbon , dry, ash-free. Volatiles >63%. |
| Linked data | http://data.bgs.ac.uk/id/EarthMaterialClass/RockName/PEAT |
CAVEAT
"Thumbnail" definitions attached to some of the table entries are an interim attempt to provide simple short descriptions of the "unqualified" rock types presented within the BGS Rock Classification Scheme. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and consistency but minor contradictions or omissions might be present. The BGS welcomes any feedback pointing out such minor imperfections and/or providing constructive comment and suggestions for improvement of the definitions. In the first instance such feedback should be directed to Dr Tim McCormick.