What is peat commonly known as?

Peat is commonly known as a type of coal. It is an accumulation of decayed organic matter, primarily plant material, that forms in waterlogged conditions, such as bogs and wetlands. The process of peat formation involves the partial decomposition of plant material in anaerobic (low oxygen) environments, which prevents complete decay.

Over time, if peat is buried and subjected to heat and pressure, it can transform into various forms of coal through a process called coalification. This makes peat an important precursor to coal, particularly in the context of fossil fuel formation.

In contrast, granite is an igneous rock, a form of natural gas is derived from deeper fossil fuel sources, and artificial fertilizers are chemically manufactured substances used to enhance plant growth. Understanding these distinctions highlights peat's unique role in the carbon cycle and its relation to fossil fuel formation.