Lesson 8 - Changing carbon storage in peatlands over time

Question 1

What are peatlands and how do they work to store carbon?

Answer 1

Peatlands are ares of highly dense and wet soil. They contain carbon rich organisms that are partially decomposed, as more peat is added these organism compress. Waterlogging takes place so that the organisms don’t fully decompose and cause the peat to release carbon, carbon can then be stored.

Question 2

What is a Fen Peatland?

Answer 2

An area near a body of water where water rises from underground causing the soil to become wet and peat forms.

Question 3

What is a blanket peatland?

Answer 3

Usually on top of a mountain, rain hits the top and a ‘blanket’ of rain sits on the top causing a peat.

Question 4

What is raised bog?

Answer 4

Found in a deep sided valley, water flows down the valley and collects at the bottom to form a peat.

Question 5

How do humans use peatlands? How does this affect the carbon store?

Answer 5

Humans may drain an area of peat for their agricultural use, this causes the carbon to be released and is no longer stored. Peat can be burned for fuel. Climate change dries peat out.

Question 6

Methods used to restore peat

Answer 6

• Re watering
• Re vegetation
• Controlled grazing
• Public engagement e.g., farmers.