Carbonaceous

Carbonaceous refers to a substance or material that contains or is composed primarily of carbon, often in the form of organic compounds or elemental carbon. This can range from ancient, compressed organic matter like coal and shale to the residue left behind after combustion, such as charcoal or soot. The term implies a significant carbon content and is often associated with black or dark-colored materials, though the specific properties vary depending on the specific carbon compounds present and the degree of alteration or transformation the material has undergone.

Carbonaceous meaning with examples

• The discovery of carbonaceous chondrites in the meteor crater offered scientists an amazing find for understanding the building blocks of life. These meteorites contained complex organic molecules, hinting at the potential for the early delivery of these compounds to Earth. The carbonaceous nature of these space rocks provides crucial insights into the processes that occurred in the early solar system and the formation of planets.
• Geologists carefully studied the carbonaceous layers of sedimentary rock. These black, organic-rich strata, often found near ancient shorelines, provided clear evidence of past environments and the organisms that once thrived there. Analyzing the carbon isotopes and organic content helped to understand the history of the earth's climate.
• During the high heat of the furnace, the carbonaceous material in the coal transformed into a mixture of gases, leaving behind only the residual ash. This process, often used for its high power capabilities, involved burning a carbon-rich substance, demonstrating the high-energy content stored within.
• The carbonaceous residue of a forest fire covered the landscape, leaving the ground dark and smoky. This accumulation of charred organic material, a testament to the powerful burning event, contained various carbon compounds from the plant life that was there before.