Molecular evidence unearthed of massive wildfires that swept across ancient Gondwana forests nearly 250 million years ago
Research conducted on Indian Permian sediments from the Godavari Valley Coalfield, India
Researchers used a novel multi-proxy approach integrating palynofacies analysis with advanced molecular methods
Specific techniques included Raman spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
Study successfully identified and distinguished between high-intensity (h-PAL-CH) and low-intensity (l-PAL-CH) palaeofire-derived microcharcoal particles
Research revealed molecular signatures of combustion including well-developed second-order Raman spectral features
Evidence of structural ordering (Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons: PAHs) in carbonaceous material was found
Diagnostic FTIR functional groups of thermal alteration pathways were identified
Study published in Geological Journal (Wiley) with publication link: https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.70295
Research conducted by Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Researchers involved: Neha Aggarwal, Shivalee Srivastava and Runcie Paul Mathews
