Hydrological conditions of peatland formation based on a dynamic curve of a biogenic sediments sequence – a new proposal

Abstract

The aim of the study was to propose a so called dynamic curve for identification of hydrological conditions of peatland formation. This method facilitates interpretation of accumulation processes based on sequence of biogenic sediments depending on variable hydrological conditions. Eleven types of hydrological conditions (HC) were distinguished and characterized with reference to ecohydrological interrelations governing the formation of peatlands. Each HC type was associated with specific peat type and species rendered in a classification for Central Europe. When employing a synthetic description of the identified HCs, it is possible to use the dynamic curve to provide a graphical representation of a hydration status for a geological profile and a general interpretation of the course of changes in water conditions during peatland development. The discussed method is somewhat simplified but it can be used for general interpretation of hydrological conditions of peatland development and would not require some highly specialized analyses. Such an approach may prove sufficient, particularly in engineering practice.

Keywords

• biogenic sediments sequence
• dynamic curve
• peatland geology
• peatland hydrology
• plant macrofossils