Peatland conservation

Question 1

3 layers of peatland system

Answer 1

Acrotelm: Upper oxygen-rich layer, active layer of plant material
Mestelm: Periodically oxic/anoxic layer contains dead material and is oxygenated or deoxygenated dependant on water levels
Catotelm: the Lower, denser anaerobic layer of partially decomposed material anoxic decomposition is slow due to lack of oxygen

Question 2

Issue with too much oxygen?

Answer 2

There will be complete decomposition of the material leading to the degradation of the peatland system

Question 3

What does peatland system need?

Answer 3

Continuous supply of water to maintain the anoxic layer

Question 4

Define bogs

Answer 4

Ombrotrophic system, dependant on the atmosphere for water and nutrients, tend to be acidic and nutrient poor

Question 5

Define fens

Answer 5

Minerotrophic peatlands receive water and nutrients from the ground or surface water, therefore more alkaline and nutrient-rich, found in the lowlands

Question 6

Explain ombrotrophic peatlands

Answer 6

include raised bogs, rainfall>evaporation and runoff, occurs in a slight dip where the material has accumulated on top, often found in wet oceanic climates

Question 7

Peatlands in the UK

Answer 7

Cover 12% of the UK, 80% are in a bad state

Grows by 1-6% every year

Question 8

Threats to peatlands

Answer 8

Need to remain waterlogged to avoid rapid decomposition, already naturally poor in nutrients, so change in nutrient status could be a risk, 
Peat extraction
Landfill developments
Forestry
Drainage pressures
Pollution
Livestock management 
Building Developments
Climate change
habitat fragmentation

Question 9

changes in the water table

Answer 9

can occur when part of the bog is damaged or removed
leads to more surface runoff
Growth of undesirable species can also remove water
if peat structure is changed, there will be decreased resistance to vertical damage

Question 10

How to restore peatland bogs

Answer 10

remove trees
blocking ditches
protecting the areas