# Ancient ferns turned Triassic Europe into a wildfire inferno New research reveals how ferns fueled massive fires during global warming events. - **Source:** [Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily](https://brifing.si/source/0eef8637-6c5b-4e79-8f5b-6c9c6b36cf16) - **Published:** 2026-07-22 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/98c35272-08f2-4b60-a1de-6c6cc3bdfbc1 ## Triassic Extinction and Climate Crisis Volcanic eruptions linked to Pangea's breakup released massive CO2 201 million years ago, raising global temperatures by 5-10°C. This caused forest collapse and fern expansion. Utrecht University's study examines wildfire activity during this period using innovative fossil analysis techniques. ## Fossil Evidence Researchers analyzed fossilized charcoal and combustion products from 640-meter sediment cores in the UK. They developed a new method measuring color changes in pollen fossils - the 'Darkness Index' - revealing the connection between fire activity and fern proliferation during the extinction event. ## The Dark Zone Discovery A sudden darkening in fossils across four cores marked an intense fire period. This 'Dark Zone' correlated precisely with fern expansion, providing more accurate fire measurements than traditional charcoal analysis methods. The technique overcame limitations of previous approaches. ## Fern-Fire Feedback Loop Ferns' rapid regrowth from underground rhizomes created perfect wildfire fuel when dried. Their quick colonization of damaged landscapes established a destructive cycle lasting 40,000-300,000 years. Thick fern mats enabled repeated massive fires across Northwest Europe. ## Disaster Species Ferns are Earth's ultimate survivors - 'disaster species' that thrive in damaged ecosystems. Some species acted as 'fire ladders', helping flames spread while outcompeting other vegetation. Their adaptation strategies made them dominant during climate crises. ## Lessons for Modern Climate Change The study demonstrates how global warming transforms ecosystems through feedback loops. Ferns' fire-enhancing mechanisms parallel modern wildfire risks. Findings underscore climate change's potential to create destructive ecological cycles with long-term consequences. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260722032105.htm — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._