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Peatland (Mire Types): Based on Origin and Behavior of Water, Peat Genesis, Landscape Position, and Climate

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The Wetland Book

Abstract

Mires, or peat-forming systems, have traditionally been recognised as falling into two broad peat-forming types – minerotrophic fens fed by groundwater or collected surface water, and ombrotrophic bogs fed exclusively by direct precipitation. Different types of fen can then be distinguished based on sources of water and rates of water supply. In contrast, ombrotrophic bogs can be classified according to their morphology, position within the landscape and consequent developmental history. A few ‘mixed’ or ‘intermediate’ mire types can also be identified.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sustainability Research Institute, University of East London, University Way, E16 2RD, London, UK

    Richard Lindsay

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  1. Richard Lindsay
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Correspondence to Richard Lindsay .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia

    C. Max Finlayson

  2. Department of Natural Resources, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada

    G. Randy Milton

  3. Nature Management Services, Cambridge, United Kingdom

    R. Crawford Prentice

  4. Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia

    Nick C. Davidson

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Lindsay, R. (2018). Peatland (Mire Types): Based on Origin and Behavior of Water, Peat Genesis, Landscape Position, and Climate. In: Finlayson, C., Milton, G., Prentice, R., Davidson, N. (eds) The Wetland Book. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4001-3_279

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