PEAT AND CARBON ACCUMULATION IN A YOUNG COASTAL BOG

摘要

The purpose of this study is to present the peat and carbon accumulation rates as a function of time in a young coastal bog, Langtraeskmossen, in Maalahti, western Finland. The factors influencing peat accumulation are also considered. Langtraskmossen has an average peat increment rate of the five dated profiles 1.8 mm yr~(-1) (0.8-3.0), a peat accumulation rate of 140 g m~(-2) yr~(-1) (75-202) and a carbon accumulation rate of 64 g m~(-2) yr~(-1) (37-91). The peat and carbon accumulation of Sphagnum peat is highest in slightly humified wet and acid peat layers. The Sphagnum species with the highest accumulation rate is generally S. angustifolium. Variations in peat and carbon accumulation rates can mostly be explained by the vegetation composition and decomposition rates due to natural mire succession and variations in local conditions, but the role of climate cannot be ignored. The moist climate within the study area near the sea is favourable to Sphagnum peat accumulation. The growing season is long because of early, mild and snowless springs.