Description
Book SynopsisThis book provides an introduction to peatlands for the non-specialist student reader and for all those concerned about environmental protection, and is an essential guide to peatland history and heritage for scientists and enthusiasts.
Peat is formed when vegetation partially decays in a waterlogged environment and occurs extensively throughout both temperate and tropical regions. Interest in peatlands is currently high due to the degradation of global peatlands which is disrupting hydrology and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This book opens by explaining how peat is formed, its properties and worldwide distribution, and defines related terms such as mires, wetlands, bogs and marshes. There is discussion of the ecology and wildlife of peatlands as well as their ability to preserve pollen and organic remains as environmental archives. It also addresses the history, heritage and cultural exploitation of peat, extending back to pre-Roman times, and the degradat
Trade Review
"Ian Rotherham provides a welcome, yet novel, blend of the science and history of peatlands as he elegantly explains their importance from the past and into the future. As he says 'the human history of peatlands is central to understanding both their loss, and in some cases, their survival'" — Simon Caporn, Professor in Ecology & Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
Table of Contents1. Introduction & overview: peat & peatlands 2. Global peat resources 3. Temperate peatlands - their ecology, wildlife, & functioning 4. Tropical & sub-tropical peatlands 5. Peatland ecosystem services 6. The hydrology & chemistry of peatlands 7. The people of the bogs & fens – history, heritage & peatlands 8. Peatlands & human conflicts 9. Some detailed case-studies of peat & conflict 10. Peat removal & peatland destruction – Part 1: the lowlands 11. Reclaiming the peatlands 12. Peat removal & destruction – Part 2: the British uplands 13. The peatland industries 14. Conservation & restoration 15. Fenscape & peat bog: a future nature
