Peatlands and the carbon cycle Flashcards
1
Q
What is peat?
A
Organic soil formed of dead plant debris
2
Q
How does peat interact with the carbon cycle?
A
Acts as a carbon sink by removing carbon from the atmosphere through plant growth.
3
Q
How can peat release CO2?
A
If they are drained or utilised for agriculture, carbon is exposed to oxygen and as a result is oxidised into CO2.
4
Q
What does peatland need to survive?
A
Water and plants
5
Q
Peatlands contain more carbon than forests. true or false?
A
True
6
Q
How much peatland has been drained in Europe, and the world?
A
60% europe
15% world
