Ancient charcoal has revealed that wildfires once occurred near the South Pole during the Late Cretaceous period, around 90 million years ago. A study led by marine geologist Dr. Johann Klages from the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) examined sediment samples collected during a Polarstern expedition. Published in Nature in 2020, the research uncovered a well-preserved forest soil in what is now West Antarctica. This ancient ecosystem had a temperate, swampy rainforest climate with distinct dry and monsoon seasons. The average annual temperature was about 12°C (54°F), slightly warmer than present-day Germany. However, the region also experienced a polar night, with continuous darkness lasting about four months of the year. A new study published in Communications Earth & Environment found clear evidence of recurring wildfires in sediment cores from the Amundsen Sea in West Antarctica. The sediments contain microscopic charcoal particles that became more common in younger layers. Analysis of these particles showed that the fires mainly burned soft conifer wood at relatively low temperatures, typical of surface fires that do not spread through the entire tree canopy. Additional evidence came from amber—fossilized tree resin—which appeared to form a protective layer over fire-damaged parts of tree trunks. The presence of countless spores from peat moss (genus Sphagnum) also indicated the early formation of raised bogs, which are closely associated with fire activity. The researchers suggest that wildfires played a key role in transforming the ancient Antarctic rainforest into a peatland dominated by peat mosses. These fires were likely triggered by lightning from thunderstorms, rather than volcanic activity, as the nearest volcanically active regions were at least 400 kilometers (250 miles) away. Peatlands are important in the climate system, acting as long-term carbon stores. In warmer climates, wetlands tend to dry out more quickly, leading to more frequent fires that prevent forest growth and encourage the development of peatlands, where carbon-rich plant material accumulates over time. The study, titled "Co-evolution of wildfires and early Sphagnum-peatlands near the Cretaceous South Pole," was published in Communications Earth & Environment in 2026. It highlights the co-evolution of wildfires and early peatlands near the South Pole during the Cretaceous period and their relevance to modern climate systems. Understanding these ancient processes can provide valuable insights into how climate change and fire patterns interact in today’s world.