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The contribution of Antarctic moss peat to the understanding of global peatland processes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 April 2022

James H.C. Fenton Open the ORCID record for James H.C. Fenton [Opens in a new window]
James H.C. Fenton*
Affiliation:
Polldoran, Clachan Seil, Oban, Argyll PA34 4TJ, Scotland
*
ecology@fenton.scot
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Abstract

The moss banks of the Maritime Antarctic composed of one or both of the mosses Chorisodontium aciphyllum and Polytrichum strictum form peat banks up to 3.4 m thick and 5500 years of age. They represent perhaps the simplest peat-forming systems in the world, so studying their dynamics can help in the understanding of peatland dynamics generally, particularly those of temperate blanket peat. They can provide insights into how the balance of growth, decomposition and compaction of peat results in peat formation, how downhill creep can be the cause of both vertical edges and the creation of patterned bogs and how erosion of peat can be a natural process.

Keywords

peat erosionpeat growthpeatland dynamicspolar peattemperate peat
Type
Earth Sciences
Information
Antarctic Science , Volume 34 , Issue 3 , June 2022 , pp. 266 - 278
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Antarctic Science Ltd.

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