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Peat bogs are composed of rotting vegetation and water, and are formed when the plant material isn't allowed to decompose fully, perhaps because the water is too acidic, or there is not enough oxygen. They have been forming for over 360 million years and are a very early stage in the production of coal. As many countries use them for fuel, notably Ireland and Finland, peat is classed as a fossil fuel.

Peat bogs contain massive amounts of carbon and methane. The world's biggest peat bog, in Western Siberia, and bigger than France and Germany combined, is beginning to thaw after 11,000 years. It has the possibility of releasing billions of tons of methane into the atmosphere with catastrophic dangers to global warming.

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Do the peat bogs ever run out of peat?

Peat bogs can continue to accumulate peat as long as the conditions for peat formation persist, such as slow decomposition of organic matter in waterlogged environments. However, if the rate of peat extraction exceeds the rate of peat accumulation, peat bogs can be depleted over time. It's important to manage peat extraction sustainably to prevent running out of peat.


Where can peat be found?

Peat occurs in former bogs and swamps. Ireland is famous for its peat.


Why is peat moss renewable?

First of all it is very easy to get confused with the terms peat and peat moss. They are actually two different entities both found in peat bogs. Peat is the sediment found at the bottom of peat bogs that is mined and burned like a fossil fuel (peat is actually a precursor of coal). Like coal it is considered to be a non-renewable fuel source since it takes so long to accrete (a rate of 1mm per year). Peat moss, on the other hand, is a living plant (such as Sphagnum) that lives at the top of a peat bog. Peat Moss is what is harvested and used to make the soil products you will find at plant stores. It eventually dies and adds to the layers of peat underneath. Unlike peat, peat moss is a renewable resource as much as timber is a renewable resource. When peat moss is harvested from the top of a peat bog, it can take as long as 20 years to grow back to its former size. Because of that peat moss is harvested on a slow cycle similar to forest management cycles and is done leaving the underlying peat undisturbed. Although peat and peat moss are found in the same bogs, they are not normally harvested and mined together. This is because peat is harvested and used as a fuel source in places such as far northern Europe where trees (and wood for burning) is scarce. On the other hand Canada is the primary supplier of peat moss. It has a large boreal forest and no consumer demand for peat as a fuel source.


Which bryophyte is found in bogs and swamps and forms peat a source of fuel?

Moss can be found in bogs and swamps and in many countries is used as a form of fuel. There is many types of mosses, one type is called Sphagnum.


where does peat from?

Peat forms from partially decomposed plant material in waterlogged and oxygen-poor environments, such as bogs and mires. Over time, the accumulation of this organic matter forms layers of peat.

Related Questions

What bogs do?

Bogs accumulates acidic peat...=)


Do the peat bogs ever run out of peat?

Peat bogs can continue to accumulate peat as long as the conditions for peat formation persist, such as slow decomposition of organic matter in waterlogged environments. However, if the rate of peat extraction exceeds the rate of peat accumulation, peat bogs can be depleted over time. It's important to manage peat extraction sustainably to prevent running out of peat.


What Country Has A lot Of Peat Bogs?

Ireland has a lot of peat bogs, with about one-sixth of the country covered in peatlands. Peat bogs are also commonly found in countries with a cool, wet climate like Finland, Russia, and Canada.


What do you call fuel taken from bogs?

peat


Peat bogs are composed primarily of?

sphagnum


Why should peat bogs be protected?

peat bogs should be protected because many habitats will be destroyed, global warming will increase and the petrol from the machinery will pollute the atmosphere


What is the country known for its peat bogs and potato famine?

Ireland is known for its peat bogs and potato famine. Peat bogs are common in Ireland, and the country experienced a devastating potato famine in the mid-19th century due to a potato blight, which led to widespread suffering and migration.


What is Ireland's famous fuel?

Peat, from the Irish peat bogs. (Peat is decayed organic material). In Ireland people call it turf.


Where can peat be found?

Peat occurs in former bogs and swamps. Ireland is famous for its peat.


What was the country known for its peat bogs and potato famine?

Ireland


Peat bogs are composed primarily of what?

Peat is composed of vegetable matter, mostly moss and grasses that grow in a bog.


What country is known for its Peat bogs and potato famine?

That would be Ireland.