Here's why:
* Formation: Both coal and natural gas are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals buried under layers of sediment over millions of years.
* Conditions: They form under similar conditions, typically in swampy environments with abundant organic matter.
* Geological Processes: The specific conditions, including pressure, heat, and time, determine whether the organic matter becomes coal or natural gas. Coal forms when organic matter is subjected to less heat and pressure compared to natural gas.
Therefore, while coal seams can be found in isolation, they often occur alongside deposits of natural gas.