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Climate and water-table levels regulate peat accumulation rates across Europe
Graeme T Swindles1,2, Donal J Mullan3, Neil T Brannigan4
1Geography and 14Chrono Centre, School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|July 23, 2025
Summary
European peatlands accumulate carbon at varying rates, with optimal growth linked to high water tables and summer temperatures. Understanding these factors is crucial for peatland restoration and climate change mitigation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Paleoclimatology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Peatlands are vital carbon sinks threatened by climate change and human activities like drainage and burning.
- Peat accumulation depends on the balance between plant productivity and decomposition, but influencing factors remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the apparent peat accumulation rates (aPAR) over the last two millennia in European peatlands.
- To identify climatic and hydrological factors controlling peat accumulation rates.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of apparent peat accumulation rates (aPAR) from 28 dated European peatlands.
- Reconstruction of water-table depth using testate-amoeba subfossils.
- Statistical analysis of factors influencing aPAR.
Main Results:
- Apparent peat accumulation rates (aPAR) ranged from 0.005 to 0.448 cm yr-1, with a mean of 0.118 cm yr-1.
- Highest aPAR values were observed in Scandinavian and Baltic regions.
- Summer temperature and water-table depth significantly influenced aPAR, with optimal accumulation occurring at approximately 10 cm water table depth.
Conclusions:
- Higher summer temperatures can enhance peat growth if water tables remain high.
- An average water-table depth of around 10 cm is optimal for peat growth and long-term carbon sequestration.
- Findings have significant implications for peatland restoration and climate change mitigation strategies.
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