What could explain the existence of coal deposits in Antarctica?
Antarctica was at one time part of an ancient, considerably larger land mass, referred to by geologists as Gondwanaland. The supercontinent began breaking up during the Triassic Period (205-240 million years ago) and its several segments gradually drifted apart to form the present continents of South America, Africa, India, Australia (with New Zealand), and Antarctica. But the present outlines of these continents–along with the similarity of their geology and fossil finds–indicate that they had fitted together and that Antarctica was not always a cold and inhospitable place. Coal deposits found today in sandstone beds less than 500 kilometers from the South Pole show that these materials were laid down during late Paleozoic time (240-300 million years ago) under marshy conditions in a cool, moist climate. ————————————–… Antarctica’s natural resources include: Ice – One of Antarctica’s most important resources is ice. As a resource is has potential as a fresh
