Petrological recognition of bituminous inertinite enriched coals of the Lower Silesian Coal Basin (Central Sudetes, SW Poland)

The values of inertinite reflectance and studies of its distribution and morphology imply occurrence of diversified types of wildfires: ground, surface, and crown fires, though surface fires distinctly prevailed (estimated temperatures ranging from 405 °C to 615 °C). The evidences for ground and crown fires are scarce and suggest just occasional episodes of such wildfires or may indicate transport of charred material from another source area. Domination of microscopic charcoal may suggest transport by wind, but other transportation pathways (e.g. by water) cannot be excluded. Negative correlation of inertinite macerals and inorganic matter in some parts of studied profiles may reflect impact of wildfire on local erosional-depositional system, where increased share of mineral matter may suggest post-fire clastic-dominated input due to enhanced soil erosion.