Env 3205 Compare Bog and Fen.notebook

Env 3205 Compare Bog and Fen.notebook
May 12, 2014
The Bog and Fen Compared
Bog
1. Location
Area with little or NO drainage
2. Dominant Vegetation
sphagnum moss
Area with restricted drainage
sedges and rushes
heath shrubs
insectivorous plants
caribou moss
herbaceous plants
Soil Fen
insectivorous plants
herbaceous plants
low shrubs
organic soil 0.5­4 m thick
Organic soil 0.5­2.4 m thick
(Rooting Zone)
peat
peat
Nutrient Source
precipitation and atmospheric dust
precipitation, atmospheric dust, seepage water in contact with mineral soil
pH
very acidic
slightly acidic, neutral to slightly basic
Water Variability continuously saturated with water
continuously saturated with water
Nutrient level
moderate to very rich
poor
Review Bog, Fen, Swamp, Marsh
P. 453 in text
Swamp
Marsh
1
Env 3205 Compare Bog and Fen.notebook
sphagnum moss
caribou moss
May 12, 2014
heath shrubs
insectivorous plants
sedges
rushes
2
Env 3205 Compare Bog and Fen.notebook
May 12, 2014
*Wetlands are important for the health of the environment because:
1. they collect and store water runoff.
2. filter and purify water.
3. maintain water flow during dry periods.
4. provide habitats for plants and animals.
* 4 types of wetlands in NL and Labrador
1. Bogs 3. Swamps
2. Fens 4. Marshes
3