Coming from the NZ perspective, I agree with Lisa's comments that a
definition of acrotelm has to be one that applies to non-Sphagnum mires
which are uncommon here. I
think there is value in the concept of the acrotelm, but what needs to be
identified is
what the differences are in the upper and lower parts of the peat, where
the transitions occur, and whether transitions occur at the same interval
for all properties. To me the most important differences would seem to be
availability of oxygen and consequent rates and types of degradation - the
lack of degradation in the lower part of mires (catotelm?) being the key to
peat forming at all.
Jane Shearer
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Dr Jane Shearer
Research Office Director
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph 64 3 364 2688
Fax 364 2694
Email [log in to unmask]
http://www.research.canterbury.ac.nz
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"I never think of the future, it comes soon enough." Einstein
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