Land Drainage In Moorland Areas

Question 1

what is a moorland/peatland?

Answer 1

an expanse of waterlogged, acidic soil and peat

Question 2

what does waterlogged grounds stop?

Answer 2

it stops oxygen from permeating which reduces plant growth

Question 3

what are moorlands a major store of?

Answer 3

carbon dioxide. the largest terrestrial carbon store

Question 4

what are many areas of moorland often converted into? what risk has this created?

Answer 4

highly productive farmland or plantations in tropical areas due to their fertile soils

this has increased flood risk as surface storage is reduced by draining the moorland and streamflow is increased by digging drainage ditches

Question 5

what are the impacts of digging drainage ditches to the water and carbon cycle?

Answer 5

moorland drained

water table lowered affecting flows in the water cycle

the dry peat degrades easily

as water table is lowered the air aids the decomposition of peat releasing co2