3. Which explanation best supports why coal is unevenly distributed in the United
States?
United States Coal Reserves
a Coal forms from the deposition of hydrothermal minerals over time, so it will be
where hydrothermal vents or magma plumes existed.
b. Coal forms from the compression of organic material over time, so it will be
where thick layers of plants could have accumulated.
c. Coal forms as lava on Earth's surface or magma below Earth's surface cools, so it
will be close to volcanic regions.
d. Coal forms from the intense pressure and high temperatures involved in
metamorphism, so it will be where plate boundaries once existed.



Answer :

Final answer:

Coal forms from organic material compression in swampy areas, resulting in coal reserves distributed unevenly based on geographical conditions and sulfur content.


Explanation:

Coal is formed from the compression of organic material over time, specifically from ancient swamp plants. The organic matter accumulates within stagnant water in areas with humid tropical to temperate climates and becomes coal after millions of years of high pressure and temperature.

Coal in the United States is unevenly distributed due to varying factors in its formation, such as specific geographical conditions, the type of vegetation present, and the level of sulfur content. Western parts of the U.S. have coal deposits formed from freshwater swamps with low sulfur, whereas eastern regions have coal deposits from swamps covered by sea water containing more sulfur.

Understanding the origins and distribution of coal reserves is crucial in studying the energy resources available in different regions and the environmental impacts associated with coal mining and usage.


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