Studies of the Main Seam in the Rapahoe Sector of Greymouth Coalfield have
shown that the proportions of palynomorphs and palynomorph groups vary
vertically within the seam, but remain laterally consistent. Subsequent
examinations of other seams in the Rapahoe Sector have demonstrated that the
changes in palynomorph proportions observed in the Main Seam are specific to
that seam, effectively providing a seam 'fingerprint'. Such a characteristic
signature may be used to identify the Main Seam where faulting or seam splitting
confuses seam correlation between drillhole intersections.
Palynomorph assemblages are derived from the original plants which formed the
peat mire, and yield information on mire conditions such as climate, mineral
matter input and chemistry. These depositional factors influence coal properties
such as mineral content, volatile matter yields and coal breakability.
Palynological data can therefore assist in development of depositional lTIodels
for prediction of coal quality variations.
Several other, thiner seams in the Rapahoe Sector have been demonstrated to
also contain recognisable palynomorph assemblages, suggesting that other seams
may also possess distinct palynomorph abundance profiles.