Peat

Question 1

What is peat?

Answer 1

Peat is the surface organic layer of a soil that consist of partially decomposed organic matter, derived mostly from plant material, which has accumulated under conditions of water logging, oxygen deficiency, high acidity and nutrient deficiency.

Question 2

What conditions does peat form under? (4)

Answer 2

High acidity, high water content (water logging), low oxygen and nutrient deficiency

Question 3

What is the importance of peatlands? (4)

Answer 3

Important store of carbon (3rd in the world).
Important role in global hydrological cycle maintaining quantity and quality of water.
Important role in flood prevention.
Supports biodiversity.

Question 4

What conditions does peatland form? (4)

Answer 4

Continuous annual growth of vegetation.
Presence of moderate to high levels of rainfall.
Existence of poor drainage which leads to water logging of mineral soil.
Low level (absence) of oxygen in waterlogged soils.

Question 5

When did the formation of peatlands in the UK occur?

Answer 5

Started after the last glaciation period. Some formed about 9000 years ago

Question 6

What are the three types of bog?

Answer 6

Raised bog
Blanket bog
Fenland