Distribution of Inertinites in the Early Paleogene Lignites of Western India: On the Possibility of Wildfire Activities

In the present investigation 643 samples from early Paleogene lignite seams of western India have been studied to see the distribution of inertinites. These horizons are characterized by high content of charcoal occuring as inertinite in these lignites though there is no definite trend of inertinite distribution in space and time. Bhavnagar lower seam of the Saurashtra basin, Gujarat (BHL-6 band) and Gurha lignite seam of the Bikaner-Nagaur basin, Rajasthan (GU-8 band) recorded the highest level of charcoal to the tune of 25% (mmf basis) while the mean seam value of 16.6% is seen in the Seam-V of Panandhro lignite field of the Kachchh basin, Gujarat. The study is comparable with the wildfire activities of Early Paleogene period occurring in other parts of the world.