BUREAU OF GEOLOGY


muck Dark, finely divided, well decomposed, organic material inter-
mixed with a high percentage of mineral matter, which forms surface
deposits in some poorly drained areas.

napthalene A white, crystalline, water insoluble hydrocarbon, C10H8,
contained in coals, peat tar and some crude oils.

NPDES Permit (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) A
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency permit required for any operation
which results in a discharge into the surface waters of the U.S.

oils See benzene, napthalene and phenol.

ombrotrophic Peatlands which are isolated from the regional ground-
water system and receive moisture only from precipitation; contains
acidic decaying vegetation or peat. See also: bog.

opal A mineral (or mineral gel): SiO2.nH2O. It is an amorphous (collo-
dial) form of silica containing a varying proportion of water (as much as
20 percent but usually 3-9 percent) and occurring in nearly all colors.
Opal is transparent to nearly opaque and typically exhibits a definite and
often marked iridescent play of color. It differs from quartz in being
isotropic, having a lower refractive index and being softer and less
dense.

organic soil A general term applied for a soil or a soil horizon that
contains at least 30 percent organic matter, such as peat soils, muck
soils and peaty soil layers.

oxidation The process of combining with oxygen.

ozone A form of oxygen, 03, having three atoms per molecule, pro-
duced when ordinary oxygen gas is passed through an electrical dis-
charge.

peat An unconsolidated deposit of semicarbonized plant remains
occurring in a watersaturated environment, such as a bog or fen. It is
considered an early stage or rank in the development of coal; carbon
content is about 60 percent and oxygen content is about 30 percent (dry
weight). When dried, peat burns freely. It may contain no more than 25%
ash.

peat bitumens Those peat components which are soluble in nonpolar
organic solvents (gasoline, benzene, dichloroethane, etc.). The peat bitu-
mens of commercial interest are waxes and resins.

peat coal A fuel, derived from the wet carbonization of peat, contain-
ing a heat value of 12,000- 14,000 BTU/lb dry weight.


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