---
title: "Coal — AP Environmental Science Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Coal is a nonrenewable fossil fuel formed from ancient plant matter. Learn how AP Enviro tests coal in Unit 6, from energy trends to mining and CO2 emissions."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-enviro/key-terms/coal"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Environmental Science"
---

# Coal — AP Environmental Science Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock made up mostly of carbon. It forms from the remains of plants that lived and died millions of years ago.

## Related Study Guides

- [6.2 Global Energy Consumption](/ap-enviro/unit-6/global-energy-consumption/study-guide/OfQhtthGMOLHJHFwC3zo)
- [6.1 Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources](/ap-enviro/unit-6/renewable-nonrenewable-resources/study-guide/WLwymwWnydiu1fqTWjNE)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Fossil Fuel: Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources formed from organic matter buried in the Earth's crust over millions of years.
- [Carbon Dioxide (CO2)](/ap-enviro/key-terms/carbon-dioxide-co2): When coal is burned, it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.
- Mountaintop Removal Mining: This destructive mining practice involves removing mountaintops to access coal seams underneath, causing significant environmental damage.