2.1.8: Changing carbon stores in peatlands

Question 1

Peat

Answer 1

Thick layer of sticky and wet soil material containing very high levels of partially decomposed vegetation

Question 2

Peat as a carbon store

Answer 2

carbon rich

Question 3

Decomposition in peat

Answer 3

prevented by waterlogging which creates oxygen-deficit anaerobic conditions
limits decomposition of organic matter especially in upland sites which are cool

Question 4

Fen peatlands

Answer 4

Form where groundwater meets the surface - at springs or the edge of open water

Question 5

Blanket peatlands

Answer 5

Occur on flat hill tops where rainfall is high

Question 6

Raised bogs

Answer 6

Occur in valley bottoms where soils are saturated, due to frequent arrival of throughflow and overland flow from slopes above

Question 7

Peatlands

Answer 7

Landscapes where layers of peat have accumulated.

Question 8

How much carbon stored globally in peatlands?

Answer 8

550 billion tonnes

Question 9

How many (%) peatlands degraded in the UK

Answer 9

80%

Question 10

Uses of peat

4

Answer 10

in compost
traditionally dried and burnt
food and drink industries
drainage for agriculture

Question 11

Restoration of peatlands techniques

2

Answer 11

re-wetting

re-establishment of plant cover

Question 12

Why are moorlands burnt?

2

Answer 12

Management practice in areas for grouse shooting and to prevent succession