Bog

A bog is a wetland type that accumulates acidic peat, a deposit of dead plant material. The term peat bog in common usage is not entirely redundant, although it would be proper to call these sphagnum bogs if the peat is composed mostly of acidophilic moss (peat moss or Sphagnum spp.). Lichens are a principal component of peat in the far north. Moisture is provided entirely by precipitation and for this reason bog waters are acidic and termed ombrotrophic (or cloud-fed) which accounts for their low plant nutrient status. Excess rainfall outflows giving bog waters a distinctive tan colour.

Related Topics:
Wetland - Acid - Peat - Moss - Sphagnum - Lichen - Precipitation - Acidic - Cloud-fed

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Bogs are widely distributed in cold, temperate climates, mostly in the northern hemisphere (Boreal). The world's largest wetlands are the bogs of the Western Siberian Lowlands in Russia which cover more than 600,000 square kilometres. Sphagnum bogs were widespread in northern Europe. Ireland was more than 15 per cent bog; Achill Island off Ireland is 87 per cent bog. There are extensive bogs in Canada (called muskegs), Scotland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, and northern Germany. There are also bogs in the Falkland Islands. Ombrotrophic wetlands - i.e. bogs are also found in the tropics with notable areas documented in Kalimantan. These habitats are forested. Extensive bogs cover the northern areas of the U.S. states of Minnesota and Michigan, most notably on Isle Royale in Lake Superior.

Related Topics:
Boreal - Siberian - Russia - 600,000 square kilometres - Europe - Ireland - Achill Island - Canada - Muskeg - Scotland - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - Germany - Falkland Islands - Kalimantan - U.S. state - Minnesota - Michigan - Isle Royale - Lake Superior

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