Translations:Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book/Nature/Bogs & Fens/2/en

1. What is a bog? How is it unique?

A bog is a wetland formed in cold climates from water obtained only from the atmosphere (rain and snow). There are no other sources of water such as springs, rivers or streams. Because of this bogs are low in mineral nutrients (nutrients are usually washed into a body of water by rivers and streams). A mat of specialized vegetation grows out over the water. As leaves and plants die and fall in the water, decomposition is very slow, which causes the accumulation of organic matter at the bottom called “peat.” Because of this, the water in a bog is acidic and low in oxygen. Methane gas is a by-product of decomposition and can be seen sometimes bubbling up. Species diversity is low due to the harsh environment. They are important for “storing” carbon.

2. Where are bogs found?

Bogs occur mostly in cold, heavily forested regions of the northern hemisphere north of the 45th parallel. This region is also called the Boreal Zone.