The Stratigraphy and Sedimentology of Coal Measures at Pike River Coalfield

The report utilises information acquired during recent work in the northern part of Pike River Coalfield and extends on work by Newman et al. 1981. It firstly discusses the stratigraphy of the Upper and Lower boundaries of both the Paparoa and Brunner Coal Measures (C.M.) at Pike River Coalfield, and then assesses the significance of Paparoa C.M. members in terms of fluvial sedimentology and inferred environments of deposition. Probable effects of paleoenvironment and paleogeography on coal seam character are considered, with particular reference to tectonic controls. After discussion of the relationship between facies and thickness variations a provisional basin model is presented and applied to prediction of subsurface trends in coal reserves. Report concludes with an outline of the work needed for development of a definitive depositional model for the Paparoa C.M. at Pike River Coalfield.