Petrographic Atlas of Indian Coal/Shibananda Sen Gupta and Banani Bardhan. Kolkata, Geological Survey of India, 2005, vi, 150 p., $28 (pbk). [Geological Survey of India Catalogue Series No. 7].

    Contents: 1. Introduction: i. History of coal science. ii. Formation of coal. 2. Petrography of coal: i. Maceral. ii. Microlithotype. iii. Determination of maceral group composition of Bituminous coal. 3. Application of coal petrography: i. Modelling of depositional environment. ii. Rank evaluation of coal. iii. Effect of igneous intrusion on coal. iv. Heat flow and tectonics of coalfields. Acknowledgements. References. Photomicrographs.

    From the foreword: "In the present publication, the authors have followed the international nomenclature while describing the genetics of coal, in brief, and the constituents of different types, in detail. Such documentation of the constituent components namely macerals and microlithotypes of Indian coal will provide the necessary guidelines for students and researchers in the field.

    The authors have made an attempt to establish the palaeodepositional environment, vis-a-vis geochemistry of the mire, palaeodepth and palaeotemperature of Indian coalfields. This treatise will provide the basis for further delineation of potential areas for exploration. Towards that end this publication is only a small step, though, a firm one forward."

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