A fault-related coalification anomaly in the Blanzy-Montceau Coal Basin (Massif Central, France)

Abstract The Stephanian intramontane Blanzy-Montceau Coal Basin is situated along a Variscan fault complex bordering the Upper Paleozoic Blanzy-Le Creusot-Bert graben. The deposition of coal-bearing strata was controlled by a complex of early faults known as the “Faille de Bordure” (FB, Border Fault). Another complex of Permian faults known as the “Faille de l'Est” (FE, Eastern Fault) is situated along the more central part of the coal basin. Coalification in the basin follows three main trends: (1) Increasing rank from upper to lower coal seams in accordance with a general vertical trend (Hilt, 1873). The gradient of volatile matter is higher than normal, ranging from 3% to I I% Vdaf per 1…