Is peat a swamp?

Is peat a swamp?

Peat forms in wetland conditions, where flooding or stagnant water obstructs the flow of oxygen from the atmosphere, slowing the rate of decomposition. Peatlands, particularly bogs, are the primary source of peat; although less-common wetlands including fens, pocosins, and peat swamp forests also deposit peat.

Why is peat swamp important?

Peat swamps have a rich biodiversity and provide ecological services that people are unaware of. They have unique flora and fauna that has adapted to the acidic conditions in peat swamps such as the Water trumpet and a species of fighting fish. They are important for many reasons such as: Prevent saline water intrusion.

How are peat swamps formed?

Peat swamp forests form when sediments build up behind mangroves as rivers drain toward the coast. Over time, these areas build up and eventually form domes that are rarely flooded. Organic matter builds up, and peat deposits can extend up to 20 m.

What is a peat wetland?

Peatlands are terrestrial wetland ecosystems in which waterlogged conditions prevent plant material from fully decomposing. Consequently, the production of organic matter exceeds its decomposition, which results in a net accumulation of peat.

Do they still burn peat in Ireland?

Bord na Móna, which supplies peat to the three remaining power stations burning it for electricity, announced in October that it would cut its peat supply for electricity by a third by 2020 and end it completely by 2027. Ireland will need to find alternative, lower carbon sources of electricity.

Is peat still used as fuel in Ireland?

The story of peat in Ireland Peat is still used to generate electricity and as a fuel for home fires to this day, however, sustainable energy policy and bogland conservation programmes indicate phasing out harvesting peat as a primary source of energy post 2030.

What animals live in peat swamps?

The rivers and sloughs are inhabited by the Golden arowana, a coveted aquarium fish. Other denizens include otters, false gavial, Siamese crocodiles, saltwater crocodiles, and water monitor lizards. About 14% of the ecoregion is protected, but most peat swamps have been drained and set on fire.

Is peatland a forest?

Peat swamp forests are tropical moist forests where waterlogged soil prevents dead leaves and wood from fully decomposing. Over time, this creates a thick layer of acidic peat. Large areas of these forests are being logged at high rates.

What is a peat fire?

ABOUT PEAT FIRES Peat fires are a glowing global threat with serious economic and ecological impacts. Peat fires usually burn a smaller area than fast-moving forest fires, but they can burn up to 10 times more fuel mass per acre, producing far more smoke.

How are peat fires caused?

Peatland fires are promoted by deforestation and forest degradation, which is ultimately linked to peatland drainage. The peat fires in South-east Asia can burn millions of hectares in one dry season.

Where is peat in the world?

Northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia and the British Isles, have the most peatlands harvested for fuel use. However, peat bogs can be found from Tierra del Fuego to Indonesia. Finland, Ireland, and Scotland are the biggest consumers of peat as a fuel.