Peatland Formation - Paludification

Question 0

Can form from a change in a river course and from logging where

Answer 0

Removal of large trees reduces water removal through evaportranspiration.

Question 1

Terrestrial vegetation is blanketed by

Answer 1

Peatland vegetation due to a change in site hydrology, leading to constant soil saturation.

Question 2

High water tables result in the reduction of

Answer 2

Oxygen diffusion into soils, creating anoxic conditions.

Question 3

Aerobic respiration rates are too low to decompose all

Answer 3

Organic material and it begins to accumulate as peat.

Question 4

Prolonged periods of anoxic conditions can kill roots and trees.

Answer 4

The organic matter from dead vegetation creates a high demand for oxygen by bacteria engaged in aerobic decomp.

Question 5

Vegetation becomes more isolated from the mineral soil. Nutrient sources become dominated by precipitation,

Answer 5

Resulting in a decline in nutrient levels in the soil and conditions becoming more acidic.