Figure 6. Photograph of the Okefenokee Swamp, Ga., which is a modern peat-forming swamp. Modern swamps are studied as possible analogs of ancient environments in which coal beds formed. The tall trees are mostly bald cypress with some bay and black gum, the foreground is mostly sedge and reed-like plants, and the open-water areas contain water lilies. Common characteristics that modern swamps share with ancient swamps include low topography, fresh water, and varying climate. Photograph by W.H. Orem (U.S. Geological Survey).