| The dynamics of peat accumulation at Rainy River Bog, northwestern Ontario, were studied using palaeoecological techniques and an existing model of bog growth. A major component of the research was testing several methods of dating recent peat: lead-210 and carbon-14 analyses, moss increment dating, correlations between stratigraphy and historical records, pollen density dating, and the constant bulk density method.;Long-term dynamics of ecosystem structure proved to be intimately connected to growth of the peat deposit, which, in turn, regulated the sequestration of carbon. Most of the vertical displacement of the peatland surface and storage of carbon within the peat mass occurred while a sedge fen community dominated the vegetation. Subsequent Sphagnum bog development has raised the surface by only 25 cm. Over the first 3900 yr of the peatland's history, the rate of carbon sequestration declined from 49 to 14 g m... |
