2.1.8: Changing carbon stores in peatlands Flashcards
Peat
Thick layer of sticky and wet soil material containing very high levels of partially decomposed vegetation
Peat as a carbon store
carbon rich
Decomposition in peat
prevented by waterlogging which creates oxygen-deficit anaerobic conditions
limits decomposition of organic matter especially in upland sites which are cool
Fen peatlands
Form where groundwater meets the surface - at springs or the edge of open water
Blanket peatlands
Occur on flat hill tops where rainfall is high
Raised bogs
Occur in valley bottoms where soils are saturated, due to frequent arrival of throughflow and overland flow from slopes above
Peatlands
Landscapes where layers of peat have accumulated.
How much carbon stored globally in peatlands?
550 billion tonnes
How many (%) peatlands degraded in the UK
80%
Uses of peat
4
in compost
traditionally dried and burnt
food and drink industries
drainage for agriculture
Restoration of peatlands techniques
2
re-wetting
re-establishment of plant cover
Why are moorlands burnt?
2
Management practice in areas for grouse shooting and to prevent succession