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A thousand-year-long miracle: How did the high marshes gradually rise on the earth?
Moss bogs, also known as lichen bogs, are a special type of wetland ecosystem that relies primarily on precipitation for water and is independent of the mineral sources of the surrounding environment. This swamp is not only unique in terms of hydrology and ecology, but also shows a variety of features in the history of its formation. This article will give you an in-depth understanding of the formation process of high marshes and their ecological significance.
Definition and characteristics of high marshes
Moors are water-rich, highly acidic habitats that harbor plants and animals adapted to this extreme environment. Unlike other types of marshes such as lake marshes, high marshes are completely dependent on precipitation to maintain their ecological balance, which makes them lack minerals from groundwater or surface water. These swamps usually have a dome-shaped topography and are called "high swamps".
Moors are formed by the growth of peat moss over many years, causing the ground surface to gradually rise.
Formation and development of high marshes
In the evolution of the Earth, the formation of the high marshes can be traced back to about 11,000 years ago, at the beginning of the last century. This process requires a specific humid climate and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year, so that the precipitation exceeds the rate at which the water evaporates and is discharged.
The development of bogs is generally divided into two types: the first type is bogs formed by lake siltation, and the second type is bogs formed directly on mineral substrates in a low-mineral salt environment. As peat accumulates, these areas gradually rise in height, forming layers of peat, the top layer usually being undecomposed white peat and the bottom layer being decomposed black peat.
Biodiversity of the high marshes
The high moor ecosystem has a rich biodiversity, especially different types of mosses and other aquatic plants, which mainly rely on precipitation and low salt environment for growth. The plants in the marsh use their special physiological structure to resist the effects of high acidity and low mineral salt concentrations.
Geographical distribution of high marshes
The distribution of alpine bogs around the world is affected by climate, and is mainly concentrated in Canada and Alaska in North America, Northern Europe, and Western Siberia. These areas have high annual rainfall, which is suitable for the formation of high marshes. Especially in Western Siberia, there is the largest alpine area in the world.
In these unique environments, peat growth can continue for centuries or even millennia, a marvel of nature.
Threats and protection of high marshes
Today, moors face multiple threats, including peat exploitation and pollution. Mineral emissions from human activities will inevitably disturb the balance of these fragile ecosystems and lead to habitat destruction. To protect these important ecological resources, bogs in many areas need to be given a higher level of protection to ensure the continued existence of their ecological functions and biodiversity.
How to protect these unique ecosystems while meeting human needs will be a huge challenge.
Have you ever thought about the potential of bogs to play a key role in biodiversity conservation in the face of global climate change?
