Wildfires Burned in Antarctica 90 Million Years Ago
A new study finds evidence for the southernmost wildfires currently known, which may have facilitated a transition from temperate rainforest to peatland in Antarctica.
Scientists have discovered ancient wildfires that burned in Antarctica around 90 million years ago, according to a new study. The findings come from a 30-meter-long core sample taken from the seafloor near West Antarctica, which revealed evidence of a rainforest environment during the Cretaceous period. The core sample also contained charcoal fragments, amber, and specific chemical residues, indicating that wildfires occurred in the area.
These wildfires likely helped transition the landscape from rainforest to a sphagnum moss-dominated peat bog. The discovery sheds light on the fire regime of modern-day peat bogs, as the ancient wildfires were similar to those currently observed in peat bogs. The study highlights the importance of understanding the geologic record and fire histories to better comprehend Earth's changing ecosystems.
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