The depositional conditions and the palaeoenvironment of the Achlada xylite-dominated lignite in western Makedonia, Greece

The overall macro and micro characteristics of the Achlada lignite suggest a depositional palaeoenvironment that includes three independent parts: a) the main channel of a meandering river system; b) the floodplain area; and c) the oxbow lake. The establishment of telmatic/limnotelmatic conditions in this palaeoenvironment resulted in the formation of the entire Achlada lignite deposit, whereas numerous flood episodes interrupted the peat accumulation and resulted in the deposition of clay-rich sediments.