The research conducted by scientists at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has shed light on ancient wildfires that swept through the Godavari Basin during the Permian period, approximately 250 million years ago. Their findings, published in ACS Omega, provide new insights into palaeofire dynamics using advanced techniques such as Raman Spectroscopy, Rock-Eval Pyrolysis, and FTIR Spectroscopy.
This study identified distinct charcoal types preserved in shale formations, distinguishing between in situ fires—those occurring locally—and ex situ charcoal, which was transported by environmental factors. The researchers observed that geological stratigraphy played a key role in charcoal deposition, with well-preserved fire remnants found during periods of sea level regression, while transgressive phases showed greater oxidation and mixing of fire residues.
The presence of palaeofires during the Permian period has implications beyond geological history. High atmospheric oxygen levels at the time likely fueled large-scale wildfires, influencing vegetation patterns and contributing to coal formation in Gondwana. Additionally, studying ancient wildfire activity aids in refining palaeoclimate reconstructions and understanding long-term carbon storage mechanisms—critical for modern climate strategies such as carbon sequestration.
This breakthrough enhances our ability to decode past ecosystems and environmental shifts, offering valuable insights into Earth’s climatic evolution and reinforcing the significance of interdisciplinary research in geological sciences.
