END-PERMIAN BURNOUT: THE ROLE OF PERMIAN–TRIASSIC WILDFIRES IN EXTINCTION, CARBON CYCLING, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN EASTERN GONDWANA

ABSTRACT Wildfire has been implicated as a potential driver of deforestation and continental biodiversity loss during the end-Permian extinction event (EPE; ∼ 252 Ma). However, it cannot be established whether wildfire activity was anomalous EPE without valid pre- post-EPE baselines. Here, we assess changes in high-latitude lowlands eastern Gondwana by presenting new long-term, quantitative late Permian (Lopingian) to Early Triassic records dispersed fossil charcoal inertinite from sediments Sydney Basin, Australia. We also document little-transported occurrences middle (Guadalupian Lopingian) permineralized peats Lambert Graben, East Antarctica, Bowen basins, Australia, indicating that even vegetation consistently moist settings prone regular fire events. Our show wildfires were prevalent through Lopingian, but demonstrates clear spike activity. The relatively low baseline for is likely due part lower density, which would have limited spread. review evidence Lower geosphere, impacts on sedimentation processes evolution landscapes. Moreover, drivers within critically evaluate role cause consequence ecosystem collapse. initial intensification regime played wetland carbon sinks, contributed increased greenhouse gas emissions land freshwater changes. conclude elevated frequency short-lived phenomenon; recurrent events unlikely direct subsequent long-term absence peat-forming vegetation, associated ‘coal gap' Triassic.