The sensitivity of peat-covered upland landscapes

Landscape sensitivity : principles and applications in northern cool temperate environments

Auteurs :
BRAGG, O.M.
TALLIS, J.H.
THOMAS, M.F.

Description :
The components of ombrogenous mires are highly sensitive to change, especially in hydrology. Their vegetation may alter in response to very small changes in water level and/or water chemistry, whereas the underlying peat may undergo total degradation on dewatering. The ultimate manifestation of sensitivity is peat erosion, which is widespread in the uplands and may, in places, have been ongoing for several hundred years. It is concluded that we may anticipate heightened sensitivity to cultural pertubation of mire ecosystems during times of climate change, and thus that particular care in our approach to management of blanket peat landscapes is indicated at the present time.


Type de document :
Congrès

Source :
Conference on Landscape Sensitivity, Stirling, Royaume-Uni, 1999-09-02, Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2001, vol. 42, n°. 2-4, p. 345-360, Collation : Illustration, Références bibliographiques : 90 ref.

Date :
2001

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena