Block 8 (Changing Carbon Stores In Peatland)

Question 1

Define peat

Answer 1

Accumulation of partly decomposed organic matter, forming a deposit on boggy, acidic ground

Question 2

List some characteristics of peat

Answer 2

• Thick layer (2-4m deep in UK)
• Black/dark brown colour
• Wet/waterlogged, so anaerobic (little-no oxygen)

Question 3

What are the 3 types of peat

Answer 3

1) Fen peat lands (groundwater meets surface)
2) Blanket peat lands (on top of hills, receiving lots of rain)
3) Raised bogs (bottom of valleys, water from slopes above)

Question 4

Define peatlands

Answer 4

Landscapes where layers of peat have accumulated on the surface

Question 5

Who percentage of the Earth’s surface is covered in peat?

Answer 5

3%

Question 6

Where are peatlands in the UK?

Answer 6

Mainly upland areas, some in poorly drained lowlands (e.g. East Anglia)

Question 7

Outline the formation of peat

Answer 7

1) Waterlogged, anaerobic environment prevents complete decomposition of organic matter
2) Partially decomposed organic matter accumulates

Question 8

What is the rate of peat accumulation?

Answer 8

Approx 1mm/yr

Question 9

What was ‘Pete Marsh’?

Answer 9

2000 yr old body found preserved in peat in Cheshire

Question 10

What 2 things is peat a store of?

Answer 10

1) Carbon

2) Water

Question 11

What percentage of the organic matter in peat is carbon?

Answer 11

50%

Question 12

How many years of UK carbon emissions do UK peatlands hold the equivalent of?

Answer 12

3 yrs

Question 13

How much carbon does peat (3% of landmass) store in comparison to forests (30% of landmass)?

Answer 13

Double

Question 14

How does peat store carbon?

Answer 14

Inputs higher than outputs

Inputs: carbon fixed in peatland plants via photosynthesis
Outputs: decomposition of peatland plants releasing CO2 + loss of carbon from peatlands via water