Inertinite's Role in Paleowildfire Studies and Environmental Reconstruction

Inertinite research has become a pivotal area of study in paleowildfire analysis and environmental reconstruction. As a complex component derived from partially combusted organic matter, inertinite provides valuable insights into historical fire events. Recent investigations highlight its significance in interpreting past wildfire types, temperatures, and atmospheric oxygen levels. However, uncertainties continue to surround the origins of certain micrinite types and the reliability of using maceral ratios for detailed environmental reconstructions. The intricate relationship between inertinite and other fire indicators, such as char and charcoal, has been increasingly understood, yet it emphasizes a gap that warrants further exploration. In particular, the historical impact of these factors during the Permo-Carboniferous period remains inadequately addressed, pointing to a timely need for deeper inquiry into inertinite's role in historical climate and ecological transformations.

This Research Topic aims to unravel the intricate connections between inertinite and environmental and climatic reconstructions, focusing on its utility in interpreting historical wildfire events. Specific objectives include analyzing inertinite macerals to determine their viability as indicators for various wildfire parameters and testing hypotheses around micrinite origins. Research endeavors in this area will not only refine current methodologies but also expand the understanding of inertinite's application in paleoenvironmental studies. By addressing these prevailing questions, the field can move toward resolving existing debates and propelling novel insights into the study of ancient landscapes.

To gather further insights in the intricate connections between inertinite and historical environmental dynamics, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Examination of inertinite's formation processes and correlation with paleowildfires.
- Clarification of micrinite types and implications for environmental reconstructions.
- Evaluation of methodologies involving maceral ratios for reconstructing past climates.
- Assessment of inertinite alongside other wildfire evidences such as char and charcoal.
- Investigation into the effects of ancient wildfires during the Permo-Carboniferous period.
- Articles welcomed include original research, reviews, and methodological advancements in the understanding and application of inertinite in environmental studies.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Inertinite, Paleowildfire, Environmental Reconstruction, Wildfires' Historical impact

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.