2.1.8: Changing carbon stores in peatlands Flashcards Preview

A Level Geog: C,T,W+C,En > 2.1.8: Changing carbon stores in peatlands > Flashcards

Flashcards in 2.1.8: Changing carbon stores in peatlands Deck (12)
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1
Q

Peat

A

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

2
Q

Peat as a carbon store

A

carbon rich

3
Q

Decomposition in peat

A

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

4
Q

Fen peatlands

A

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

5
Q

Blanket peatlands

A

Occur on flat hill tops where rainfall is high

6
Q

Raised bogs

A

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

7
Q

Peatlands

A

Landscapes where layers of peat have accumulated.

8
Q

How much carbon stored globally in peatlands?

A

550 billion tonnes

9
Q

How many (%) peatlands degraded in the UK

A

80%

10
Q

Uses of peat

4

A

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

11
Q

Restoration of peatlands techniques

2

A

re-wetting

re-establishment of plant cover

12
Q

Why are moorlands burnt?

2

A

Management practice in areas for grouse shooting and to prevent succession

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