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Scientists in India have uncovered new molecular evidence of massive wildfires that swept across ancient forests nearly 250 million years ago. The discovery could help researchers better understand Earth’s past climate systems and improve future climate models.

The study focused on coal-bearing sediments from the Godavari Valley Coalfield, part of the ancient Gondwana landmass. Researchers said the findings provide fresh insight into how prehistoric wildfires shaped vegetation, ecosystems, and coal formation during the Permian period.

Indian Scientists Use Advanced Technology To Decode Ancient Fires

The research was conducted by scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, an autonomous institute under India’s Department of Science and Technology.

The team used a multi-proxy scientific method combining palynofacies analysis with Raman spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. These methods allowed researchers to study microscopic organic material preserved inside sedimentary rocks.

Scientists said earlier palaeofire studies mainly depended on microscopic observations, which often created uncertainty in identifying fire-related charcoal particles. The new molecular approach helped researchers distinguish between high-intensity and low-intensity wildfire residues with greater accuracy.

Coal Deposits Preserve Clues To Gondwana Climate History

The researchers identified unique molecular signatures linked to ancient combustion processes. These included evidence of Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and thermal alteration patterns preserved in microcharcoal particles.

According to the study, these findings provide stronger evidence of widespread wildfire activity in Gondwana forests during the Permian era. Scientists believe such fires may have influenced atmospheric conditions, vegetation shifts, and long-term carbon cycles.

The study also strengthens efforts to reconstruct ancient environmental conditions in Gondwana basins, which stretched across parts of present-day India, Africa, Australia, Antarctica, and South America.