1209

Petrology, palynology, coal facies, and depositional

environments of an Upper Carboniferous coal
seam, Minto Coalfield, New Brunswick, Canada
W. Kalkreuth, D. Marchioni, and J. Utting

Abstract: Coal petrology and palynology of the Minto coal seam enable depositional environments of the precursor
mire to be established in terms of facies-critical maceral ratios, maceral assemblages, and spore and pollen assem-
blages. The overall petrographic composition indicates a vitrinite-rich coal (mean 67%), followed by inertinite (mean
27%) and liptinite (mean 7%). Pyrite is common to abundant (maximum 15%). Lithotype logs demonstrate a domi-
nance of dull lithotypes (dull and banded dull). Petrographic composition at the lithotype and seam subsection level is
highly variable. Vitrinite maceral assemblages are enriched in brighter lithotypes (banded bright and bright), whereas
liptinite and inertinite maceral assemblages are enriched in dull and banded dull lithotypes. The duller lithotypes are
enriched by mineral matter. Based on spores, the seam is assigned to the Vestispora Zone of Atlantic Canada, with the
basal Torispora securis–Torispora laevigata (SL) Zone of western Europe and the lower Torispora securis–Vestispora
fenestrata (SF) of the Illinois Basin. This indicates an early Bolsovian (Westphalian C) age. Based on the Tissue Pres-
ervation Index – Gelification Index facies concept, the seam was deposited in an upper delta plain. At the seam subsec-
tion level, facies-critical maceral ratios (Groundwater Influence Index, Vegetation Index) and maceral assemblages
suggest both limnic (open moor) conditions and somewhat drier conditions. Relative low Vegetation Indices suggest
mainly herbaceous source material, which is partly supported by the rare to common occurrence of small lycopsid
spores and arboreous lycopods. The abundant sphenopsids, including Calamites, and rare gymnosperms may have
grown outside the mire.

Résumé : La pétrologie et la palynologie du filon de charbon Minto permettent d’établir les milieux de déposition du
bourbier précurseur en termes de ratios de macéraux spécifiques au faciès et d’assemblages de macéraux, de spores et
de pollens. La composition pétrographique globale indique un charbon riche en vitrinite (moyenne 67 %) suivie
d’inertinite (moyenne 27 %) et de liptinite (moyenne 7 %). La pyrite varie de commune à abondante (maximum 15 %).
Les diagraphies de lithotypes montrent une dominance de lithotypes mats (mats et mats rubanés). La composition pé-
trographique au niveau du lithotype et de la sous-section du filon est hautement variable. Les macéraux de vitrinite
sont enrichis de lithotypes plus brillants (brillants rubanés et brillants) alors que les macéraux de liptinite et d’inertinite
sont enrichis de lithotypes mats et mats rubanés. Les lithotypes plus mats sont enrichis de matières minérales. En se
basant sur les spores, on assigne le filon à la zone Vestispora du Canada atlantique, à la zone de base Torispora
securis-Torispora laevigata (SL) de l’Europe de l’Ouest et à la zone inférieure Torispora securis-Vestispora fenestrata
(SF) du bassin de l’Illinois. Cela indique un âge bolsovien (Westphalien C) précoce. Selon le concept de faciès des
rapports l’indice de préservation des tissus/indice de gélification, le filon a été déposé dans une plaine deltaïque supé-
rieure. Au niveau de la sous-section du filon, des rapports macéraux critiques du faciès (indice de l’influence de l’eau
souterraine, indice de végétation) et les assemblages macéraux indiquent à la fois des conditions limniques (marécages
à découvert) et des conditions un peu plus sèches. Des indices de végétation relativement faibles suggèrent une source
principalement herbacée, cette hypothèse étant en partie appuyée par les occurrences, rares à communes, de petites spo-
res de lycopodunées et de lycopodes arboricoles. Les sphénopsides abondants incluant Calamites et de rares gymnos-
permes peuvent avoir poussé à l’extérieur du bourbier.

[Traduit par la Rédaction.] Kalkreuth et al. 1228

Received July 20, 1999. Accepted April 11, 2000. Published on the NRC Research Press website on August 21, 2000.
W. Kalkreuth. Instituto de Geosciências Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, 91501 - 970
Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
D. Marchioni. Petro-Logic Services, 231 10A Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1W7, Canada.
J. Utting.1 Geological Survey of Canada (Calgary), 3303 - 33 St. NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2A7, Canada.
1
corresponding author (e-mail address: jutting@nrcan.gc.ca)

Can. J. Earth Sci. 37: 1209–1228 (2000) © 2000 NRC Canada

1210
Fig. 1. (a) Location of Minto Coalfield and Maritimes Basin
(Ryan et al. 1991). (b) Sample localities.
Introduction
The Minto Coalfield is located in southern New Bruns-
wick, Canada at the north end of Grand Lake (Figs. 1a, 1b),
where it forms a shallow subbasin that is about 33 km long
and 13 km wide (Hacquebard 1997). A single, near-surface,
flat-lying coal seam (Minto coal seam; 30–90 cm thick, av-
erage 45 cm) has been mined in the area for more than 300
years (Smith 1989). The coalfield is within the Pennsylva-
nian strata of the New Brunswick Platform (Poole 1967),
which is separated from the Moncton Basin to the south by
the Kingston Uplift, which comprises a system of ridges of
Mississippian, Silurian, and Ordovician strata. On the New
Brunswick Platform, the total Carboniferous cover of less
than 2 km lies with angular unconformity on a basement of
older Paleozoic and Precambrian strata.
The Carboniferous strata of the Maritimes Basin (Fig. 1a)
were grouped into six stratigraphic groups by Bell (1958),
but if, as suggested by Ryan et al. (1991), the Riversdale
Group should be abandoned and included in the Cumberland
Group, then five intervals can be recognized.
Can. J. Earth Sci. Vol. 37, 2000
Fig. 2. Lithostratigraphy and spore zones of Atlantic Canada.
1
Bell (1958); 2 Muller (1950); 3 Hacquebard (1972).
The Minto coal seam occurs within the upper part of the
Minto Formation of the Pictou Group (Fig. 2), and was
dated by its macroflora as Westphalian C (Bell, personal
communication in Muller 1950). On the basis of spores it
was assigned to the Vestispora Zone of Westphalian C age
(Hacquebard 1972). Hacquebard and Barss (1970) suggested
that the Minto coal seam and associated fluvial deposits
originated in a poorly drained river valley, and that forest
moor, reed moor, and open moor facies were represented in
certain areas.
Rank studies by Hacquebard and Avery (1984) show a
systematic pattern of southwesterly rank increase, from ap-
proximately 0.70% Ro max (high volatile C bituminous)
along the coast to over 2.6% Ro max (Anthracite) in the ex-
treme southwestern corner of the Carboniferous Basin in
New Brunswick. This pattern is ascribed to the combined ef-
fects of a regional increase in age of strata and of the occur-
rence of igneous rocks, a source of high heat flow, beneath
the areas of highest rank.
In the present study, the Minto coal seam was sampled at
five locations (Fig. 1b) to study vertical and lateral in-seam
variations of petrological characteristics and to assess the
depositional environment of the precursor mire based on
maceral associations, as well as pollen and spore assem-
blages.
In the petrographic descriptions, a number of terms have
been abbreviated in the text and on the figures and tables.
These are summarized and explained below.
Vitrinite ratio (A/B) = telinite + collotelinite +
corpogelinite (in situ) /vitrodetrinite + collodetrinite
Inert ratio (SF + F/Idet) = semifusinite +
fusinite/inertodetrinite + macrinite + micrinite
Gelification Index (GI) = vitrinite + macrinite/
semifusinite + fusinite + inertodetrinite + micrinite
Tissue Preservation Index (TPI) = telinite + collotelinite +
corpogelinite (in situ) + fusinite + semifusinite/
collodetrinite + macrinite + inertodetrinite + micrinite
Groundwater Influence Index (GWI) = collodetrinite +
corpogelinite (detrital) + mineral matter/telinite +
collotelinite + corpogelinite (in situ)
Vegetation Index (VI) = telinite + collotelinite + fusinite +
semifusinite + corpogelinite (in situ) + resinite/
© 2000 NRC Canada
Kalkreuth et al. 1211

Table 1. Sample identification, seam thickness and mean maximum vitrinite reflectances (Ro max).
Thickness Romax
Sample Location (cm) Pellet No. C-number (%)
1 Bog camp fire road 24 1064/90 C-195608 0.86
2 Doherty brook 34 1065/90 C-195609 0.78
3 Dragline 9 w 49 1066/90 C-195610 0.77
4 Salmon harbour 50 1067/90 C-195611 0.78
5 Salmon harbour 48 1068/90 C-195611 0.79
6 Salmon harbour 58 1069/90 C-195611 0.77
7 Albright’s corner 22 269/91 C-195612 0.84
8 Albright’s corner 27 270/91 C-195612 0.86
Note: Sample identification, seam thickness, and mean maximum vitrinite reflectances (Ro max). See Fig. 3 for
maceral group composition.

collodetrinite + inertodetrinite + alginite + sporinite + Fig. 3. Ternary diagram showing maceral group composition of
cutinite + liptodetrinite + corpogelinite (detrital) channel samples. For sample identification see Table 1, sample
T = telinite + collotelinite + (rare) in situ resinite and numbers 1–8.
corpogelinite
F = fusinite + semifusinite + (rare) groundmass macrinite
D = inertodetrinite + (rare) vitrodetrinite, sporinite, and
discrete macrinite

Sampling and analytical procedures

Eight coal seam channel samples were taken at five loca-
tions (Fig. 1; Table 1). At Salmon Harbour, the coal seam
was sampled at 3 locations separated by faulting (samples 4,
5, and 6). The two samples from Albright’s Corner represent
upper leaf (sample 7) and lower leaf (sample 8) separated by
a 11 cm shale parting. The samples were prepared for inci-
dent light microscopy and analyzed for petrographical char-
acteristics according to standardized procedures (Bustin et
al.1989). The classification of organic components
(macerals) is that of the ICCP (1963, 1994).
Samples collected for palynological examination were
treated by standard techniques used for coal (Wood et
al.1996). Two sets of preparations were made from the or-
ganic residue. One was unsieved and the other was passed
through a 20 µm sieve. From the former, counts of 250 spec-
imens were made to determine the relative percentages of
taxa. From the latter, both fine and coarse fractions were
studied to obtain the total assemblage listed in the text (see
stratigraphic palynology).
At three locations, Doherty Brook, Salmon Harbour, and
Albright’s Corner (Fig. 1b), continuous block samples from
seam-base to seam-top were taken to study the in-seam vari-
ations in petrographic composition. These blocks were pol-
ished normal to bedding, logged on a lithotype basis and
maceral composition was determined on each lithotype, and
referred to as subsections (see Fig. 3). Thus two sets of
maceral determinations were made, that is, from full-seam
channel samples and from block samples. They are plotted
in Figs. 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b.
Results and Discussion
Coal rank
Analyses of seams sampled in this study show Ro max
variations between 0.77% and 0.86% (Table 1; correspond-
ing to high volatile bituminous A coals) with an increase of
rank in the south westerly direction. This rank trend is con-
sistent with the coalification pattern in the Carboniferous of
New Brunswick as reported by Hacquebard and Avery
(1984).
Petrographic composition
Full seam channel samples
Results from maceral analyses (mmf basis) are listed in
Table 2. The samples have similar overall compositions,
with the vitrinite group ranging from 58 to 72% (mean
67%), with major contributions from collotelinite and collo-
detrinite. The inertinite group ranges from 21 to 35% (mean
27%), with fusinite, semifusinite, and inertodetrinite com-
mon. The liptinite group ranges from 3 to 10% (mean 7%),
with sporinite predominant. Mineral matter is dominated by
pyrite, which varies from 4 to 15% and is generally in the
range 5–9%. Quartz and clay together vary from 1 to 5%
(mean 3%). The facies interpretations of the current study
are based on maceral analyses and are derived from maceral
ratios and associations. The results compare favourably with
facies interpretations of the Minto coal seam based on ear-
lier studies using microlithotype analyses (Hacquebard and
Barss 1970).
© 2000 NRC Canada
1212 Can. J. Earth Sci. Vol. 37, 2000

Fig. 4. Doherty Brook, seam profile: (a) lithotypes, (b) seam subsections. Lithotypes: F, fusain; D, dull; BD, banded dull; BC, banded
coal; BB, banded bright; B, bright. Graph titles: Pyr, pyrite; Qtz, quartz; Cl, clay minerals; SF, semifusinite; F, fusinite; IDET,
inertodetrinite. For identification of T–F–D facies and related compositional diaracteristics see ternary diagrams of Fig. 11. For defini-
tions of petrographic index (Vit. Ratio), GWI, VI, T–F–D see Introduction.

Maceral group compositions are plotted on a ternary dia-
gram (Fig. 3), which demonstrates that major variations oc-
cur within the relative proportions of inertinite and vitrinite
groups, whereas liptinite group maceral assemblages are
more or less the same for five coal seam locations, with
somewhat lower values at Albright’s Corner (samples 7 and
8) and a somewhat higher value in sample 5 from Salmon
Harbour (Fig. 3).
Block samples
The maceral distribution for the Minto coal seam deter-
mined according to lithotype distributions from the coal
seam base to the top is shown in Table 3 (Doherty Brook),
Table 4 (Salmon Harbour) and Table 5 (Albright’s Corner).
For explanation of lithotype abbreviations see Table 2. The
lithotype profile and changes in maceral group and mineral
matter contents from seam base to seam top are shown in
Figs. 4a, 5a, and 6a.
In addition, coal seam "subsections" were defined, based
on similar petrographic characteristics of lithotype groups.
For these seam subsections, weighted average compositions
were calculated (see Tables 3, 4, and 5) and the composi-
tions of these seam subsections are displayed in Figs. 4b, 5b,
and 6b along with selected facies-critical maceral indices
and ratios, such as the GWI and VI ratios and T–F–D values
(see Introduction for abbreviations).
Seam thickness and lithotype distribution
At Doherty Brook, the seam is 0.32 m thick (Fig. 4a) and,
at Salmon Harbour, 0.48 m (Fig. 5a). At Albright’s Corner, a
0.11 m parting divides the coal seam into upper and lower
coal units of 0.22 m and 0.27 m, respectively (Fig. 6a, 6b).
In general, the coal seams are rather dull (Figs. 4a, 5a, 6a)
with banded dull and dull lithotypes most common (57% to
72%). Upper portions of the seams are somewhat brighter
than lower sections. At Doherty Brook, the coal seam below
subsection E (Fig. 4a, 4b) contains only 20% of banded coal
or brighter lithotypes. The upper section comprises 47% of
these lithotypes. At Salmon Harbour, the coal seam has
some brighter lithotypes (BB and B) in the lower part of the
© 2000 NRC Canada
Kalkreuth et al.
Fig. 5. Salmon Harbour, seam profiles: (a) lithotypes, (b) seam subsections. For abbreviations see caption Fig. 4 and Introduction.
seam (Fig. 5a) and, at Albright’s Corner, the seam is
brighter above the uppermost parting in Fig. 6a. A very thin
parting (p, not logged) occurs in the upper-central portion of
the seam at Doherty Brook and at Albright’s Corner. Based
on these partings and the lithotype logs, a correlation of the
seam at the three locations is suggested as shown in Fig. 7.
Doherty Brook — petrographic composition
Vitrinite content is very variable at this location between
low values of 20–40% and high values of around 80% over
relatively thin intervals (Fig. 4a, 4b). Unstructured vitrinite
exceeds structured forms in the lower half of the seam (A/B
ratios of 0.5–1.0; seam subsections K–O inclusive, Fig. 4b)
1213
and although variable in the upper half, ratios greater than 1
are common, indicating a higher input and (or) preservation
of cellular structured tissues.
Liptinite is highest at the top and base of the seam and in
central portions (>10%) and elsewhere is around 7%
(Fig. 4a, 4b). Pyrite distribution is similar to that for
liptinite, with high values (>5%) at the base and in the cen-
tral portion. Clastic minerals (quartz and clay) are also high
in these sections.
The Inert ratio (Semifusinite + fusinite/inertodetrinite +
macrinite + micrinite or SF + F/Idet) shows a progressive
decline from the base of the seam up into subsection K
(Fig. 4b), reflecting a significant increase in the content of
© 2000 NRC Canada
1214 Can. J. Earth Sci. Vol. 37, 2000

Fig. 6. Albright’s Corner, seam profile: (a) lithotypes, (b) seam subsections, abbreviations see caption Fig. 4 and Introduction.

© 2000 NRC Canada

Kalkreuth et al. 1215

3.65
1.82
2.29
2.00
3.09
3.89
3.04
2.96
inertodetrinite, up to 47% in K (Table 2). Quartz content is

Note: Ct, collotelinite; Cg1, corpogelinite (in-situ); Cd, collodetrinite; Cg2, corpogelinite (detrital); Vd, vitrodetrinite; TV, total vitinite; Sf, semifusinite; F, fusinite; Id, inertodetrinite; Mac, macrinite;
TI, total inertinite; Mic, micrinite; Spo, sporinite; Oth, other liptinite; TL, total liptinite; Pyr, pyrite; Qtz, quartz; Clay, clay minerals; Car, carbonate; TM, total mineral matter; TPI, Tissue Preservation
GI
highest here than elsewhere in the seam (5%). Above K the
inert ratio is quite variable, but commonly exceeds 1.

0.92
1.00
1.21
1.10
0.79
1.22
1.13
0.96
TPI
Salmon Harbour — petrographic composition
With the exception of subsection M (Fig. 5b), much of the

TM
lower half of the seam displays vitrinite contents around

5
6

7
12

15

12
18
80%. Above subsection I, vitrinite contents are more vari-
able, ranging between 40 and 80%. The vitrinite ratio (struc-

Car
tured vitrinite, in principal collotelinite over unstructured

1
vitrinite, in principal collodetrinite) exceeds 1 throughout
most of the seam, with low values corresponding to areas of

Clay
low vitrinite content (Fig. 5b).

1
1
3
1
1
1
Liptinite content is rather constant between 6 and 9%,
with high contents near the base (subsection M) and lower

Qtz
values (4–6%) at the top (Fig. 5b). Pyrite is highest (>6%) in

1
1
2
3
2
2
2
2
Minerals
central and lower portions of the seam and immediately be-
low the roof, and elsewhere is around 2–3%. The clastic

Pyr
4
5
9
5
9
4
9
15
minerals are commonly absent and, where present, are in
low concentration (1–5%), associated with zones of low

TL
vitrinite content, and have a low vitrinite ratio (Fig. 5b). The

7
7
8
7

7
3
5
10
inert ratio is generally between 1 and 2, indicating the domi-
nance of structured forms.

Oth
2
1
1
2
2
1
Liptinite
Albright’s Corner — petrographic composition
Below the major parting (Fig. 6a, 6b), vitrinite content

Spo
shows a steady decline from around 80% near the top and

5
6
7
5
8
6
3
5
base of the section to a low of 15% in subsection N. This
trend is essentially reflected in a trend of declining vitrinite

22
35
29
33
24
21
25
24
ratios. Quartz is present in the central portion. Above the up- TI
permost parting, vitrinite content declines toward the seam
Mic

roof (80–45%) as does liptinite content and vitrinite ratio

2
3
5
3
2
3
1
1
(Fig. 6a, 6b). Pyrite increases regularly and significantly
(from 6% to 29%), and quartz is present in the top subsec-
Mac

tion.
2
2
1
2
2
2
Stratigraphic palynology 1
9

9
8
7
13
13
13
11
Id

Seven of the eight coal samples investigated contained

well preserved palynomorphs. The total assemblage com-
Inertinite

prises the following:

F
3
7
2
6
4
3
8
4

(1) Trilete spores (Apiculatisporis sp., Calamospora

Table 2. Maceral analyses for full seam channel samples.

breviradiata Kosanke 1950, C. parva Guennel 1958,

6

8
9
5
4
7
10

12
Sf

Cyclogranisporites aureus (Loose) Potonié and Kremp 1955,

Cyclogranisporites sp., Endosporites globiformis (Ibrahim)
TV
71
58
63
60
66
72
72
71

Schopf, Wilson and Bentall 1944, Granulatisporites

granulatus, Ibrahim 1933, Leiotriletes inermis (Waltz)
Ishchenko 1952, Lophotriletes commisuralis (Kosanke)
Vd

2
1

1
1
1

Potonié and Kremp 1955, L. gibbosus (Ibrahim) Potonié and

Kremp 1954, Lycospora orbicula (Potonié and Kremp)
Cg2

Smith and Butterworth 1967 (referred to as L. pressoides

1
1

(Potonié and Kremp) Bhardwaj 1957 by Hacquebard and

Barss 1970, and Hacquebard 1997), L. pellucida (Wicher)
Cd

Index; GI, Gelification Index.

36
30
24
28
36
28
33
40

Schopf, Wilson and Bentall 1944, L. pusilla (Ibrahim)

Schopf, Wilson and Bentall 1944, Triquitrites bransonii Wil-
son and Hoffmeister 1956, T. sculptilis (Balme) Smith and
Cg1

Butterworth 1967, Verrucosisporites sp. cf. V. donarii

Vitrinite

Potonié and Kremp 1955, Vestispora fenestrata (Kosanke

and Brokaw) Spode in Smith and Butterworth 1967,
35
26
36
31
29
43
35
31
Ct

V. pseudoreticulata Spode in Smith and Butterworth 1967

and V. costata (Balme) Spode in Smith and Butterworth
No.

1967.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

© 2000 NRC Canada

 Table 3. Maceral analyses, lithotypes–subsections: Doherty Brook.
1216

Thick. Litho- Vitrinite Inertinite Liptinite Minerals

Block No. (cm) type Ct Cg1 Cd Cg2 Vd TV Sf F Id Mac Mic TI Spo Cut Res Oth TL TOT Pyr Qtz Clay TM
(top)
9 2.0 Bd 25 4 44 4 77 1 1 4 1 2 9 11 1 2 14 100 5 5
9 1.0 D 6 1 17 1 3 28 21 9 33 3 66 5 1 6 100 3 3 6
9 1.0 Bd 42 6 33 3 84 2 2 2 1 3 10 4 2 6 100 4 4
9 1.5 BD 12 3 26 5 2 48 12 8 20 2 4 46 5 6 100 3 1 4
9/8 2.5 Bd 37 5 31 2 1 76 2 4 4 2 4 16 7 1 8 100 1 1
8 0.5 B 78 7 9 2 96 2 3 1 100
8 0.5 Bd 39 8 27 4 78 4 2 4 2 3 15 4 2 1 7 100 2 2
8 0.5 BD 28 6 29 5 1 69 8 1 9 3 2 23 6 1 8 100 3 3
8 1.0 D 7 3 21 3 1 35 15 5 28 5 3 56 8 1 9 100 2 2 4
8 0.5 BD 22 9 37 5 73 2 1 5 1 3 12 12 1 1 1 15 100 3 3
7 0.4 B n/a
7 0.6 BD 41 10 24 4 79 2 3 2 1 2 10 5 4 2 11 100
7 0.8 D 8 2 14 1 1 26 22 5 26 4 1 58 14 1 1 16 100 6 1 7
7 1.2 BD 25 6 31 4 1 67 5 3 10 3 2 23 6 2 2 10 100 4 4
6 1.0 BB 25 4 27 4 1 61 11 4 9 6 2 32 5 1 1 7 100 3 3
6 0.7 Bd 55 3 27 2 87 1 3 6 5 2 7 100 7 7
6 0.8 BD 36 2 33 1 72 3 4 6 3 2 18 8 2 10 100 13 13
5/6 2.5 D 6 9 5 20 18 5 47 70 8 10 100 8 5 3 16
5 1.0 BD 24 26 1 51 11 3 22 2 2 40 8 1 9 100 11 11
4 1.0 D 8 2 27 3 1 41 14 5 27 3 2 51 7 1 8 100 4 4 8
4 1.3 BD 25 3 28 2 58 14 4 12 5 1 36 5 1 6 100 8 8
3/4 1.3 Bd 55 4 30 1 90 3 2 5 3 1 5 100 5 5
2/3 3.4 BD 22 4 47 4 77 4 2 5 1 3 15 6 1 1 8 100 4 4
2 0.5 Bd 47 4 33 4 88 2 2 4 3 2 2 8 100 4 4
2 1.5 D 11 2 21 3 1 38 16 8 15 3 3 45 13 1 2 1 17 100 5 1 1 7
1/2 1.5 BD 40 3 29 3 75 3 3 3 3 12 7 4 2 13 100 11 10 21
1.0 D 25 4 34 2 65 2 4 5 1 2 14 20 1 21 100 13 13
1.0 BD n/a
Seam composite
Top 21.9 26 4 26 3 1 59 9 4 16 2 2 32 7 1 9 100 4 1 6
Base 11.5 30 3 34 3 70 6 3 6 1 2 19 8 2 1 11 100 7 2 9
Full Seam 32.5 27 3 29 3 1 63 8 4 13 2 2 28 7 1 1 9 100 5 1 1 7
Composite subsections
1 2.0 25 4 44 4 77 1 1 4 1 2 9 11 1 2 14 100 5 5
2 1.0 6 1 17 1 3 28 21 9 33 3 66 5 1 6 100 3 3 6
3 1.0 42 6 33 3 84 2 2 2 1 3 10 4 2 6 100 4 4
4 1.5 12 3 26 5 2 48 12 8 20 2 4 46 5 6 100 3 1 4
5,6,7,8 4.0 41 6 28 3 1 78 3 3 4 2 3 15 6 1 7 100 1 1
9 1.0 7 3 21 3 1 35 15 5 28 5 3 56 8 1 9 100 2 2 4
10,11,12 1.5 32 10 30 4 77 2 2 3 1 2 11 8 3 2 13 101 1 1

© 2000 NRC Canada

Can. J. Earth Sci. Vol. 37, 2000
Kalkreuth et al. 1217

Note: For maceral abbreviations see legend Table 2. Also, Cut, cutinite; Res, resinite; TOT, total (sum of TV, TI, and TL); Bd, banded dull, D, dull; BD, banded bright; B, bright; BB banded bright.
(2) Monolete spores: Laevigatosporites vulgaris Ibrahim
4
4

9
4
7
10
16

18
1933.
(3) Monosaccate pollen: Florinites sp.
3

1
6
The assemblage list given above is similar to that given by
Hacquebard and Barss (1970) and Hacquebard (1997).
Compared with previous work, this study yielded approxi-
1

5
1

mately similar proportions of sphenopsids (Calamospora,

Laevigatosporites, and Vestispora), and arboreous lycopsids
6
4

8
8
4
5
10

12

(Lycospora spp.), but slightly more small lycopsids

(Endosporites).
100
100
100
100
101
100
100
100

Based on the presence of Vestispora fenestrata,

V. pseudoreticulata, and V. costata, the assemblage resem-
bles those assigned to the Vestispora Zone of Barss (in
9
9

8
7
16

10

17
16

Hacquebard 1972, 1997), which was considered to be early

Bolsovian age (Fig. 8). The assemblage also has a number of
taxa in common with the Foord Seam of the Stellarton Ba-
1

sin, Nova Scotia, of late Bolsovian age, but lacks Torispora

spp. (Lyons et al. 1997). In terms of the spore zonation of
1

1
2
1

western Europe, the association of Vestispora fenestrata,

Vestispora pseudoreticulata, Triquitrites sculptilis,
1
2
2

1
1
3

Lycospora pusilla and Laevigatosporites vulgaris suggests

the assemblage may be correlated with the basal part of the
6
7
8
7
5
14

13
12

Torispora securis – Torispora laevigata (SL) Zone of early

Bolsovian age (Clayton et al. 1977). In comparison with the
58
27
12
70
42
11
45
13

zonal scheme for the Illinois Basin, the association of

Endosporites globiformis, Vestispora fenestrata,
V. pseudoreticalata, Triquitrites bransonii, T. sculptilis and
1
2
1

2
2
3
3

Laevigatosporites vulgaris (L. desmoinesensis) suggests an

approximate correlation with the Torispora securis –
Vestispora fenestrata (SF) Zone described by Peppers (1985,
4
4
2

3
1
3

1996), which he assigned an Atokan or early Bolsovian age

5

4
26
10

47
20

15

(Fig. 8).

Coal facies and depositional environments

5
3
2
5
4
2
8
3

Coal facies and broad depositional environments of pre-

8
2

3
22

18
13

16

cursor mires have been inferred from megascopic (lithotype)

characteristics of coal seams (Tasch 1960; Teichmüller 1962;
Marchioni and Kalkreuth 1991), from microscopic micro-
26
64
79
20
51
82
38
71

lithotype analysis (Hacquebard and Donaldson 1969),

maceral associations (Diessel 1982, 1986; Kalkreuth and
1
1

5
1

Leckie 1989; Marchioni and Kalkreuth 1991; Kalkreuth et

al. 1991; Marchioni et al. 1996), and interpretation of pollen
and spore assemblages (Smith 1962; Hacquebard and Barss
1
4
1

2
3
3
3

1970; Marchioni et al. 1994, Semkiwa et al. 1998).

9
14
29
30

27
41
21
31

The present study uses “facies-diagnostic” maceral associ-

ations such as telinite, collotelinite, semifusinite, fusinite,
inertodetrinite, and sporinite to calculate a number of petro-
2
5
2

2
4
2
3

graphic indices, reflecting differences in the degree of oxida-

tion, gelification, vegetation input, and tissue preservation
8

6
25
45

20
33
11
34

(Diessel 1982, 1986; Kalkreuth and Leckie 1989; Kalkreuth

et al. 1991; Calder et al. 1991):

Full seam channel samples

To assess depositional environments, seam compositions
are plotted on a GI–TPI diagram in Fig. 9, following
Diessel’s (1986) concept of assigning broad depositional en-
0.8
2.2
1.5
2.5
3.3
5.2
1.5
2.5

vironments for precursor mires based on maceral associa-

tions. The Gelification Index is considered to reflect the
19,20,21
22,23,24

height of the water table during peat accumulation, whereas

14,15
16,17

26,27

Tissue Preservation Index represents the effects of the input

13

18

25

of woody material and its preservation prior to final deposi-

© 2000 NRC Canada

 1218

Table 4. Maceral analyses, lithotypes–subsections: Salmon Harbour.

Block Thick. Litho- Vitrinite Inertinite Liptinite Minerals

No. (cm) type Ct Cg1 Cd Cg2 Vd TV Sf F Id Mac Mic TI Spo Cut Res Oth TL TOT Pyr Qtz Clay TM
(top)
13 1.0 BC 31 3 41 4 79 4 6 2 3 15 4 1 1 6 100 5 5
13 3.5 D 17 2 26 3 1 49 16 14 14 2 1 47 3 1 4 100 2 1 3
13 0.5 B 100 100 100
13 1.0 BD 15 41 3 60 12 9 10 2 3 37 3 3 100 2 2
13 1.0 BC 28 7 37 4 76 3 4 7 4 18 4 1 1 6 100 4 4
12 1.5 BC 40 6 31 5 82 4 4 3 11 6 1 7 100 1 1
12 1.3 BD 26 10 32 6 74 3 6 4 2 15 8 1 1 1 11 100 1 1
12 0.7 BC 36 14 24 4 78 1 1 3 1 3 9 11 1 1 13 100 2 2
12 1.5 BD 10 2 25 4 1 42 15 9 19 4 2 49 9 9 100 2 1 3
11 2.3 BC 37 7 29 4 1 78 3 1 7 1 3 15 5 1 1 7 100 7 7
11 0.2 F 100 100 100
11 0.5 D 2 12 1 2 17 32 11 25 4 72 11 11 100 14 1 15
11 0.4 BC n/a
10 0.4 D n/a
10 2.0 BC 43 5 35 3 86 2 1 2 1 2 8 4 1 1 6 100 6 6
10 1.2 D (fus) 24 1 24 49 19 8 13 4 44 5 1 1 7 100 13 13
9 0.5 BB 42 4 35 2 83 2 3 1 1 2 9 4 2 2 8 100 4 4
9 1.5 D +ptg 6 3 22 4 4 39 18 12 23 2 1 56 5 5 100 4 4 8
8 3.0 BD 9 1 26 2 2 40 15 9 23 3 2 52 8 8 100 4 2 6
8 0.5 D 3 2 22 3 3 33 17 11 30 1 3 62 5 5 100 5 1 6
7 0.3 D n/a
7 1.7 BC 21 8 30 8 1 68 6 1 8 2 4 21 10 1 11 100 2 2
6 3.2 BC 39 2 28 2 71 6 3 8 2 3 22 6 1 7 100 2 2
6 2.8 BD 31 8 37 2 1 79 2 5 3 2 12 7 1 1 9 100 2 2
5 1.0 BD 35 10 36 4 85 1 1 2 3 7 4 2 2 8 100 1 1
4 0.7 BB 29 7 38 4 78 2 3 4 2 2 13 5 3 1 9 100 3 3
4 1.8 BD 27 6 24 4 61 9 6 11 5 1 32 5 1 1 7 100 4 4
3 0.4 B 100 100 100
3 0.6 D 21 2 31 3 57 12 7 11 3 2 35 5 3 8 100 3 3
3 1.2 BC 53 1 25 1 80 6 1 5 2 1 15 4 1 5 100 4 4
3 1.0 BD 33 1 45 2 81 2 2 2 2 8 10 1 11 100 18 18
3 0.8 BB 83 14 97 1 1 1 2 100 9 9
3 2.5 BD 37 3 37 3 80 3 2 2 1 8 10 1 1 12 100 9 9
2 0.7 BC n/a
2 1.3 D 1 3 3 7 30 18 27 3 78 14 1 15 100 10 8 2 20
1 2.0 D 2 7 4 13 24 17 27 3 1 72 14 1 15 100 5 3 1 9
1 1.5 BC 39 7 30 3 79 3 1 3 1 2 10 7 3 1 11 100 2 2

© 2000 NRC Canada

Can. J. Earth Sci. Vol. 37, 2000
Kalkreuth et al. 1219

tion. In the Minto coal seam, TPI ranges from 0.79 to 1.12
5
3
2
3
7

6
7
2
3

2
11

10

13
and GI from 1.82 to 3.89. Samples with TPI values >1.1 plot
in an area typified by upper delta plain coals (Fig. 9). The
remainder are characterized by the predominance of

1
collodetrinite over collotelinite (Table 2), resulting in TPI
values <1.0. These samples plot in an area typified by back
1

5
barrier coals (Fig. 9), however, a back-barrier setting for the
Minto coal seam is very unlikely as the mire was probably
5
2
2
2
7

6
6
2
3

7
2
10

10
some distance from the sea and there is no evidence of ma-
rine intercalations in this part of the succession. More proba-
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
ble, is that the environment was a flat, relatively wide
valley, in which swamps developed in environments such as
an upper delta plain, the valley being bounded by upland ar-
6
3
9
9
7
8
6
7
9
6
6

15
11
eas and topographic highs (Hacquebard and Barss 1970).
To determine the relative proportions of palynomorph
taxa, 250 specimens were counted of the unsieved fraction
1

1
1

of the organic residue. In some cases, samples 4 (C–195611)

and 7 (C–195612), insufficient specimens were found to de-
1
1
1

termine percentages and occurrence are indicated by “X”

(Fig. 10); sample 6 (C–195611) contained no palynomorphs.
1

1
1
1

Based on the quantitative data available (Fig. 10), the con-

clusions are as follows: (i) Arboreous lycopsids, during de-
4
3
7
9
5
8
4
6
7
4
5

7
14

position of the Minto coal seam, were rare to common

(Lycospora spp. = 2–25%; Apiculatisporis sp. = 0–4%).
8

9
15
40
13
49
15
59

50
17
28

74
10

(ii) Small lycopsids were rare to common (Endosporites

globiformis = 8–26%). (iii) Sphenopsids, including Cala-
mites, are abundant (Laevigatosporites vulgaris = 18–50%,
3
1
3
2
3
1
2
2
3
1
1

1
2

Vestispora tortuosa = 0–14%, and Calamospora

breviradiata and C. parvus = 0–8%). (iv) Fern spores are ab-
Note: For abbreviations see legends Tables 2 and 3. Also, n/a, not available; BC, banded coal; F, fusain.

sent to rare to common (Punctatosporites sp. = 2–4%,

2

4
1
3
1
3
1
4
1

3
1

Cyclogranisporites aureus = 2–5%, Leiotriletes inermis =

2%, Lophotriletes commisuralis = 2–6%), L. gibbosus = 0–
2

6
9
3

3
12

19

16

21

27

5%, Triquitrites bransonii = 2%. (v) Representatives of gym-

nosperms, such as [Cordaites], are absent to rare (Florinites
6

4
9
1

1
9
3
5
1

1
12

20

17

sp. = 3% in sample 1 (C–195608).

This association would suggest a coal swamp environment
4

4
8
3

3
14

15

20

16

26

in which small lycopsids (especially Endosporites) and

arboreous lycopsids (Lycospora) were rare to common. The
79
56
78
42
78
33
86
44
75
66
85

11
79

abundant sphenopsids including Calamites may indicate de-

position in a clastic rich mire rather than coal swamp (Phil-
lips and Peppers 1984), or they may indicate growth outside
1

1
1
1

the coal swamp on consolidated substrate such as might oc-

cur at stream or lake margins (DiMichele et al. 1985). The
4
3
5
4
4
1
3
2
3
3
1

2
3

scarcity of gymnospermous pollen may indicate little contri-

bution from vegetation in the drier or upland areas.
5
41
26
32
25
29
17
35
25
33
22
29

30

Pseudomorphs of sulphide crystals are present on some

specimens, but in general preservation is good. This suggests
3
1
9
2
7
1
5
2
6
4
1

0
7

that at the site of deposition conditions were neutral rather

than severely anoxic or oxic.
2
31
25
33
10
37
13
43
13
32
36
54

39
n/a

Seam profiles
To assess depositional environments during the lifetime of
the precursor mire the seam subsections (Tables 3, 4, and 5)
Composite subsections

for locations at Doherty Brook, Salmon Harbor and

Albright’s Corner are described in terms of T–F–D values
11- > 14

16- > 21
22- > 26
27- > 29
30- > 33

and Groundwater Influence and Vegetation Indices (for ab-

5,6,7,8

35,36
2,3,4

breviations and explanations of definitions see Introduction).

10

15

34

37

The T–F–D concept, originally developed by Diessel

1

(1982), defines coal facies in terms of a ternary diagram

(Fig. 11), in which the end members indicate (1) a deposi-
M

tion in a wet forest moor suggested by the dominance of

A

G
H

N
B
C

L
F

J
I

© 2000 NRC Canada

 Table 5. Maceral analyses, lithotypes–subsections: Albright’s Corner.
1220

Block Thick. Litho- Vitrinite Inertinite Liptinite Minerals

No. (cm) type Ct Cg1 Cd Cg2 Vd TV Sf F Id Mac Mic TI Spo Cut Res Oth TL TOT Pyr Qtz Clay TM
(top)
1C 4.8 BD 18 29 4 51 21 11 14 46 3 3 100 29 2 3 34
1C 0.8 BB
1B 1.5 BB 26 5 45 4 80 2 4 4 1 2 13 7 7 100 9 9
1B 2.7 BC 38 4 36 3 81 5 2 5 2 1 15 4 4 100 12 12
1C 2.5 BC 47 5 28 2 82 4 4 3 12 5 1 6 100 8 8
1C 1.5 BB 34 5 39 3 81 1 8 1 10 7 2 9 100 2 2
2 0.5 Parting X
3B 1.0 D 1 4 5 16 69 8 1 94 1 1 100 16 1 17
3B 0.5 BD 40 7 26 4 1 78 2 10 1 4 17 4 1 5 100 7 7
3A 1.5 BD 36 4 39 6 85 2 2 1 5 7 1 2 10 100 3 3
3A 0.5 D 32 7 45 6 90 2 3 5 4 1 5 100 10 1 11
4 0.5 BD
4 1.0 BC 30 8 32 5 75 4 2 5 1 4 16 6 2 1 9 100 4 4
4 2.5 BD 16 2 13 2 33 18 22 18 4 1 63 4 4 100 6 1 7
11.0 Parting
5 1.0 BD 26 5 38 4 73 10 9 2 1 1 23 3 1 4 100 10 10
5 1.0 D 53 3 25 1 82 2 3 5 1 1 12 3 2 1 6 100 22 22
5 2.5 BB 66 8 15 1 90 3 2 2 1 8 1 1 2 100 4 4
6 0.5 Pyrite 0 100 100
6 2.0 BD 41 9 30 3 83 2 2 3 2 9 5 1 2 8 100 4 4
7 0.6 BC 35 4 35 2 76 3 6 4 1 2 16 6 1 1 8 100 3 3
7 1.4 D 3 1 7 2 3 16 16 19 32 2 2 71 8 5 13 100 5 3 1 9
8 3.0 BD 28 1 22 3 3 57 7 9 16 2 3 37 6 6 100 7 1 8
9 2.0 D 3 8 2 13 27 21 32 2 1 83 3 1 4 100 7 2 9
9 2.5 BD 10 4 26 3 2 45 12 7 25 3 4 51 4 4 100 7 7
10 2.0 BC 34 9 30 4 1 78 3 6 7 1 2 19 1 1 3 100 3 3
10 1.5 D 20 3 30 53 9 11 13 1 1 35 10 1 12 100 18 18
10 1.0 BD 59 6 23 1 89 2 2 4 6 7 100 25 25
11 0.4 BD n/a 0
11 0.5 D 46 33 79 6 3 9 12 12 100 34 34
11 1.8 BD 38 4 33 1 76 5 7 3 15 7 1 9 100 13 13
12 0.7 BD 38 6 36 3 83 1 2 2 2 7 6 4 10 100 7 7
12 0.7 BC 36 8 30 3 77 4 3 5 2 2 16 5 2 7 100 5 5
12 0.7 BB 72 16 2 90 4 1 2 1 8 2 2 100 5 5
12 0.5 D 33 1 42 1 77 7 3 3 1 14 8 9 100 12 12
12 0.7 BD 27 1 38 2 1 69 8 5 11 1 25 6 6 100 10 1 4 15
Composite subsections
1 4.8 18 29 4 51 21 11 14 46 3 3 100 29 2 3 34
2,3,4 5.0 32 4 40 3 81 4 3 5 2 1 14 5 0 5 100 11 11
5,6 4.0 42 5 32 2 82 3 6 2 11 6 1 7 100 6 6

© 2000 NRC Canada

Can. J. Earth Sci. Vol. 37, 2000
Kalkreuth et al. 1221

5 vitrinite macerals exhibiting remnant botanical cell structure

7

7
3
8
9

5
17

10

18

14
(apex T, Fig. 11); (2) a terrestrial forest moor suggested by
the dominance of fusinite, semifusinite, and groundmass
1

2
macrinite (apex F, Fig. 11); (3) open moor conditions, in
which the petrographic composition of the resulting coal is
dominated by detrital macerals, such as inertodetrinite and
1

2
2

1
sporinite of the liptinite group (apex D, Fig. 11).
The concept of applying the Groundwater Influence Index
5
6

7
3
6
7

5
16

10

18

11
and Vegetation Index to facies studies in coal is based on the
work by Calder et al. (1991). The GWI is principally the ra-
tio of gelified vitrinite macerals and mineral matter contents
99
99
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
over the nongelified vitrinite macerals. High GWI values are
taken to indicate a relatively high water table in the precur-
sor mires and vice versa (Fig. 12). The VI is the ratio of
1
8
4

4
5
8
8
4
4
6
8
5
7

macerals showing remnant botanical cell structure including

resinite (in situ) over detrital macerals of vitrinite and
2
1

inertinite groups and liptinite macerals such as sporinite,

cutinite and liptodetrinite. According to the concept by Cal-
1

1
1

der et al. (1991) high VI values are indicative of forested

mires (Fig. 12), whereas low VI values suggest a deposition
in a limnic environment.
1

1
1
1

1
1

The Minto coal minerals contained frequently significant

amounts of corpogelinite, occurring both in situ (associated
1
6
4

3
3
6
7
3
4
5
7
4
7

with collotelinite) and detrital (associated with collo-

detrinite). For the calculation of GWI and VI values, the
9
94
10
63

23

16
48
83
51
26
10
12
20

original ratios of Calder et al. (1991) were modified to ac-

commodate the occurrence of this maceral.
2
1

1
1
2
3
1
4
2

1
1

Seam profile — Doherty Brook

The T–F–D facies parameters define four groups of sub-
1

1
1
1
2
2
3
1

sections (Fig. 11a) and indicate fluctuating depositional con-

ditions, although somewhat more stable in the lower portion
8
3

2
3
4

2
4
8
18

21
32
25
10

of the seam (Fig. 4b). In the upper half of the seam, the mire
apparently varied between relatively wet acidic conditions
3

9
2
6

7
8
4
2
4
69

22

12
21

favouring the production and (or) preservation of structured

tissue (T) and wetter, less acidic, somewhat detrital condi-
2

3
3

6
4
4
8
16

18

10

10
27
12

tions (D), marked by low vitrinite, high inertodetrinite, the

presence of detrital minerals, and low vitrinite ratios (Ta-
5
82
33

73
86
76
44
13
45
67
82
84
72

ble 3 and Fig. 4b). From seam subsections M to K there is a

progressive increase in water levels and detrital minerals ac-
companied by a decrease in preserved structured vitrinite
3
2
2
1

(Fig. 4b). Subsection K represents a time of high water lev-

els, suggesting open moor conditions during the time of de-
5
2

4
2
2
3

3
2
1
3
2

position (Fig. 11a).

The GWI and VI indices also indicate fluctuating water
Note: For abbreviations see legends Tables 2 and 3.
4

8
36
13

38
22
35
17

26
30
30
23
40

table conditions when plotted onto the seam profile

(Fig. 4b). Highest GWI values (2.0–3.0) occur in seam sub-
sections B, F, K, and N, for which according to the T–F–D
6
2

5
8
4
1

4
6
5
4
1
Parting

Parting

concept an open moor depositional environment had been

indicated (Fig. 11a). The driest conditions are indicated for
1

3
34
16

26
56
35
20

10
28
46
54
30

seam subsections C, E, and J (GWI ranging from 0.67 to

0.75), for which the T–F–D diagram suggests a deposition in
a wet forest moor.
The VI values are in general low (<1.0), indicating the
predominance of detrital and unstructured macerals of the
vitrinite group. Using the mire paleoenvironment diagram,
0.5
1.0

2.5

6.0
11.0

based on Calder et al. (1991), a limnic deposition is indi-

cated for seam subsections characterized by GWI values
17- > 20

28- > 32
9– > 13

>2.0 (Fig. 12). Somewhat drier conditions during deposition

22,23

26.27

33,34
35,36

are indicated for the remainder of the seam subsections, with

PTG

14
15
16

21

24
25

low VI values suggesting as source a marginal aquatic and

8

© 2000 NRC Canada

1222
Fig. 7. Proposed correlation of seam profiles in Minto Coalfield based on lithotype characteristics. For abbreviations see caption Fig. 4.
mainly herbaceous vegetation (Fig. 12). However, there are
few data concerning aquatic plants in the Pennsylvanian
other than algae, and these were not found in the samples
studied.
Seam profile — Salmon Harbour
As at Doherty Brook, T–F–D facies parameters suggest
rather stable conditions in the lower half of the seam
(Fig. 5b) and more variable conditions in the upper section.
T–F–D facies parameters define three groupings of seam
subsections (Fig. 11b). The lower part of the seam is domi-
nated by coals of facies T, representing relatively wet envi-
ronment with a high input–preservation of structured tissues.
The central portion shows fluctuation between facies T and
FD, which indicates higher water levels and the influence of
detrital conditions in the mire. The upper portion indicates a
return to drier conditions of facies T and FT (Fig. 5b).
Can. J. Earth Sci. Vol. 37, 2000
The GWI and VI values for the seam at Salmon Harbour
are shown in Fig. 5b. The GWI values indicate two zones of
significant decline upseam (M to I; D to B) indicating falling
water levels and decreased content of structured tissues up-
section (Fig. 5b). Both GWI and TFD facies parameters in-
dicate that subsection M was deposited during the wettest
period (Figs. 5b and 11b). Clastic minerals, although present
in only small volumes, commonly correspond to zones de-
fined as quite wet by facies parameters. The seam subsec-
tions characterized by low GWI values (C, E, G, J, K) plot
also in the T–F–D diagram (Fig. 11b) in an area for which
drier conditions are postulated. The VI values at Salmon
Harbour are in general somewhat higher than at Doherty
Brook, with seven out of thirteen seam subsections having
VI values >1.0.
The mire paleoenvironment diagram suggests that seam
subsections D, M, and H accumulated under limnic condi-
© 2000 NRC Canada
Kalkreuth et al. 1223

Fig. 8. Correlation of palynomorph assemblage from the Minto coal seam with selected zonal schemes elsewhere. Correlations between
stages of Europe and the U.S.A. based on Peppers (1996).

Fig. 9. GI–TPI depositional facies diagram for full seam channel samples, Minto Coalfield, for definition of GI and TPI see Introduction.

© 2000 NRC Canada

1224
Fig. 10. Relative percentages of spore and pollen taxa based on counts of 250 specimens. In samples with less than 250 specimens the
presence of a taxon is indicated by “X.”
tions (Fig. 11b), whereas the remainder were deposited un-
der somewhat drier conditions. The VI values, although
somewhat higher than at Doherty Brook (Figs. 11a, 11b),
suggest as source material a mainly herbaceous vegetation.
Seam profile — Albright’s Corner
The T–F–D parameters both indicate very high water lev-
els in the center of the lower leaf (Figs. 6b, 11c) with pro-
gressively falling water levels toward the seam base and the
overlying shale parting. In the upper leaf above the parting
T–F–D facies parameters suggest drying upward trend to the
overlying thin parting (Figs. 6c, 11c) and increased water
levels and detrital influence from the thin parting upward to
the seam roof. In the T–F–D facies diagram subsections M,
N, and L plot in the DF area (Fig. 11c), suggesting a rela-
tively high water table, whereas subsections C,F, J, P, and Q
plot near the T apices, suggesting a wet forest swamp during
time of deposition.
The GWI and VI values for the Minto coal seam at
Albright’s corner are shown in Fig. 6b. The GWI values con-
firm essentially the facies assessment by T–F–D parameters,
with seam subsections L, M, and N having the highest GWI
values (Fig. 6b) and seam subsections C, J, and Q having the
lowest.
The mire paleoenvironment diagram for the Minto coal
seam at Albright’s Corner (Fig. 11c) indicates a similar
depositional environment as shown for the previous two lo-
cations. For the central part of the lower leaf (seam subsec-
tions M and N), a limnic deposition is indicated, whereas the
remainder of the seam has GWI values that would suggest a
relatively drier depositional environment. Based on VI val-
ues a predominance of herbaceous plant material during peat
accumulation is indicated (Fig. 11c), except for subsection
E, which is characterized by a high VI value of 6.62. Table 5
Can. J. Earth Sci. Vol. 37, 2000
shows that this subsection represents a 1 cm thick dull
lithotype, characterized by high fusinite (69%) and
semifusinite (16%). Vitrinite content is low (4%), of which
collotelinite is only 1%. This unique petrographic composi-
tion explains the unusual high GWI and VI values, and it is
obvious that the facies model is not applicable for samples
of such anomalous composition. The high fusinite content of
seam subsection E indicates that this lithotype material
formed in response to fire, either at the peat surface or trans-
ported into the mire.
Conclusions
Petrography of full seam channel samples
Based on the analysis of 8 full seam channel samples
vitrinite is the major organic component in the Minto coal
seam, ranging from 58 to 72% (mean 67%). Inertinite
maceral assemblages contribute 21–35% (mean 27%), and
liptinite maceral assemblages range from 3 to 10% (mean
7%). Within the mineral matter, ranging from 5 to 18% py-
rite is the predominant component (4–15%).
Petrography of coal seam profiles
The data presented here are based on the analysis of con-
secutive block samples, which were taken from seam base to
seam top. The lithotype logs show that the Minto coal seam
is dominated by dull lithotypes (dull and banded dull),
which make up to 57–72% of the overall lithotype composi-
tion. Petrographic composition on the level of lithotypes is
highly variable, with vitrinite contents highest in the bright
lithotypes (banded bright and bright). In contrast, liptinite
and inertinite macerals are enriched in the duller lithotypes.
Pyrite reaches up to 30% in individual banded dull and dull
© 2000 NRC Canada
Kalkreuth et al. 1225

Fig. 11. T–F–D facies diagrams: (a) Doherty Brook, (b) Salmon Harbour, (c) Albright’s Corner. For definition of T–F–D see Introduc-
tion.

© 2000 NRC Canada

1226 Can. J. Earth Sci. Vol. 37, 2000

Fig. 12. GWI–VI facies diagrams: (a) Salmon Harbour,

(b) Doherty Brook, (c) Albright’s Corner. For definition of GWI–
VI see Introduction.

lithotypes and frequently shows an increase towards the top

of the seam and underneath partings.

Stratigraphic palynology
The palynomorph assemblage is dominated by trilete
spores, whereas monolete spores and monosaccate pollen are
rare. Based on the presence of Vestispora fenestrata,
V. pseudoreticulata, and V. costata, the Minto coal seam as-
semblage is assigned to the Vestispora Zone (Bolsovian
age). In terms of the spore zonation of western Europe, the
Minto coal seam assemblage is correlated with the latest part
of the Microreticulatisporites nobilis – Florinites junior (NJ)
Zone of Bolsovian age (Clayton et al. 1977). In comparison
with the zonal scheme for the Illinois Basin the Minto asso-
ciation suggests an approximate correlation with the
Torispora securis – Vestispora fenestrata (SF) Zone of
Atokan or Bolsovian age (Peppers 1985).

Coal facies and depositional environment

The TPI and GI values suggest for the full seam channel
samples deposition in an upper delta plain. Some samples
characterized by relatively low TPI values plot in the facies
diagram in an area typical for back barrier coals, however
this depositional setting is considered unlikely for the Minto
coal seam in view of the lack of any evidence of marine con-
ditions.
Facies-critical maceral ratios (GWI and VI) and maceral
assemblages, using the T–F–D concept, indicate that at the
seam subsection level the height of the water level was
highly variable. It is suggested that seam subsections with
high GWI and D values formed in a limnic (open moor)
depositional setting, whereas seam subsections characterized
by relatively low GWI values, but high T values, were
formed in drier depositional settings. The VI values are in
general low and suggest a mainly herbaceous source mate-
rial. This interpretation is partly supported by quantitative
data from palynological analysis, which indicate small
lycopsids were common, whereas arboreous lycopods were
rare to common. Sphenopsids, including Calamites, were
abundant, but some of these may have grown outside the
mire. Gymnosperm pollen, such as Florinites, derived from
Cordaites, are rare and suggest that there was only little con-
tribution from vegetation in the drier upland areas.

Acknowledgments
Ron Shaw of the New Brunswick Department of Natural
Resources and Energy and D. McLean of NB Coal Limited
provided logistic support during sampling of the coal seams,
and their cooperation is greatly appreciated. We are grateful
to Graham Dolby for helpful comments concerning the age
of the palynomorph assemblages, and to Martin Gibling and
Clint St. Peter for comments concerning the depositional en-
vironments of the coal seam. Also, we are grateful for the
constructive comments provided by the two reviewers (Peter
Hacquebard and Cortland Eble).

© 2000 NRC Canada

Kalkreuth et al.
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