Galatia Channel:Discussion

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	Abstract
	Introduction Geologic Setting Previous Research Crevasse-Splay Model Cyclicity and Sequence Stratigraphy
	Stratigraphy Houchin Creek Coal Excello Shale Member Hanover Limestone Member Delafield Member (New) Galatia Member (New) Underclay of Springfield Coal Springfield Coal Dykersburg (Shale) Member Turner Mine Shale Member St. David Limestone Member Summary
	Other Channels Related to the Galatia Channel Sullivan Channel Effingham Channel Leslie Cemetery Channel Other Channels
	Similar Channels Affecting Other Coal Seams Colchester Coal and Francis Creek Shale Herrin Coal, Energy Shale, and Walshville Channel Baker Coal and Winslow-Henderson Channel Danville Coal Murphysboro Coal and Oraville Channel
	Discussion Model of Channel Development Linkage of Climate and Eustasy Peat Developed at Lowstand Rapid Transgression, Gradual Regression Relationship of Effingham and Galatia Channels
	Channels and Cyclothems: A Summary Model The “Typical” Cyclothem on a Cratonic Platform Cyclothem Models Do not Address Contemporaneous Channels The Gray Shale Wedge and Its Relationship to the Channel
	Conclusions
	Acknowledgments
	References
	Appendix
	Figures
	Plates

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Discussion

Observations from mines and boreholes through the Galatia channel and related features, as well as similar channels associated with older and younger coal beds, indicate that the old model of a Mississippi-style delta having natural levees and crevasse splays is due for revision. Combined with a better understanding and climate influences not available to earlier workers, these observations lead to a new model of channel development that has connotations for larger concepts of cyclic sedimentation.

Model of Channel Development

Linkage of Climate and Eustasy

Peat Developed at Lowstand

Rapid Transgression, Gradual Regression

Relationship of Effingham and Galatia Channels

Primary Source

Nelson, W.J., S.D. Elrick, W.A. DiMichele, and P.R. Ames, 2020, Evolution of a peat-contemporaneous channel: The Galatia channel, Middle Pennsylvanian, of the Illinois Basin: Illinois State Geological Survey, Circular 605, 85 p., 6 pls.