What famous test was used to determine the age of coal in West Virginia?

The Carboniferous Period is recognized as the time frame most directly associated with the formation of coal deposits, particularly in regions like West Virginia. This geological period occurred approximately 359 to 299 million years ago and is characterized by the extensive growth of forests and swamps, which contributed significantly to the accumulation of organic material that eventually transformed into coal through geological processes involving heat and pressure over millions of years.

During the Carboniferous Period, the climate was warm and humid, promoting lush vegetation. The remains of this plant matter became buried in sediment and underwent chemical changes that converted them into coal, which is a key resource in West Virginia's economy. This understanding of the Carboniferous Period provides insight into both the geological history of coal and its significance in the region's development. Other periods listed, such as the Paleolithic Era, the Cretaceous Period, and the Jurassic Period, are not directly linked to coal formation in West Virginia.