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Flanders Moss

Lowland raised bogs are peatland ecosystems which develop primarily, but not exclusively, in lowland areas such as the head of estuaries, along river flood-plains and in topographic depressions. In such locations drainage may be impeded by a high groundwater table, or by low permeability substrata such as estuarine, glacial or lacustrine clays. The resultant waterlogging provides anaerobic conditions which slow down the decomposition of plant material which in turn leads to an accumulation of peat. Continued accrual of peat elevates the bog surface above regional groundwater levels to form a gently-curving dome from which the term 'raised' bog is derived. The thickness of the peat varies considerably but can exceed 12 metres.

 

For more information see the UK BAP: www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=20

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Uploaded on November 18, 2008
Taken on November 12, 2008