Development of Sphagnum-dominated peatlands in boreal continental Canada

Peat cores from five Sphagnum-dominated peatlands in boreal continental Canada were analyzed for plant macro fossils. Results indicate that peatland development was influenced both by local autogenic and regional climatic factors. The general direction in peatland development from rich fen to poor fen to bog can primarily be ascribed to internal processes, especially peat accumulation. Quantitative paleoenvironmental reconstructions based on fossil moss assemblages indicate that all five peatlands were initially dominated by brown mosses with inferred pHs of approximately 6.0, and a water table at 5–15 cm below the surface of the peatland. Subsequently, Sphagnum-dominated peatlands developed with pHs of 4.0–4.5 and a water table at 15–30 cm of depth. Chemical factors triggered a rapid transition from rich fen (pH > 6) to poor fen and bog (Ph < 5). The two most southerly peatlands are youngest, with basal dates of 4670 BP and 4230 BP. Sphagnum peat accumulation at these sites started at 2620 BP and 1790 BP...

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