A palaeoecological test of the theory of cyclic peat bog regeneration
A palaeoecological test of the theory of cyclic peat bog regeneration
The theory of peat bog growth commonly known as the cyclic regeneration theory, was formulated in Sweden by von Post & Sernander in 1910 and elaborated by Osvald from 1923 onwards. The history of the development and spread of the theory is traced in some detail and previous relevant research is dritically evaluated. The present work, based, mainly at Bolton Fell Moss, Cumbria, tests the theory by palaeoecol.ogical methods involving the recording of several sections of peat stratigraphy, the analysis of macrofossil remains from 21 monolith profiles and the dating and correlation of stratigraphic changes by pollen analysis and radiocarbon dating. A distinct link between peat stratigraphy and climatic change is demonstrated, apparently effecting such small-scale changes as outgrowths of individual hummocks. Periods of warm, dry summers such as prevailed between 1200 and 1300 A.D. are clearly associated with the formation of drier surfaces dominated by Calluna, Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagnum imbricatum. Pool formation, due to a change to a wetter and/or colder climate, is widespread around 900-950 A.D., 1400-1450 A.D.,and 17501800 A.D., and is correlated closely with known climatic deteriorations. New evidence is presented regarding the recent extinction of SDhagnum imbricatum at the site, and the interactions of, various Sphagnum species, and peat accumulation rates in different microenvironments, are commented upon. In the absence of any evidence for an autogenic cycle of huraocks and hollows, and with the clear demonstration of climatic control over the relative areas of pools and drier surface, the 'Osvald Theory' is rejected. A new theory, the Phasic Theory, is proposed. This states that bog growth occurs in phases closely related to climatic variations, and recognises the importance of phase-shifts to a wetter bog surface which initiate changes in vegetation and peat stratigraphy.
University of Southampton
1978
Barber, Keith Edward
(1978)
A palaeoecological test of the theory of cyclic peat bog regeneration.
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
Abstract
The theory of peat bog growth commonly known as the cyclic regeneration theory, was formulated in Sweden by von Post & Sernander in 1910 and elaborated by Osvald from 1923 onwards. The history of the development and spread of the theory is traced in some detail and previous relevant research is dritically evaluated. The present work, based, mainly at Bolton Fell Moss, Cumbria, tests the theory by palaeoecol.ogical methods involving the recording of several sections of peat stratigraphy, the analysis of macrofossil remains from 21 monolith profiles and the dating and correlation of stratigraphic changes by pollen analysis and radiocarbon dating. A distinct link between peat stratigraphy and climatic change is demonstrated, apparently effecting such small-scale changes as outgrowths of individual hummocks. Periods of warm, dry summers such as prevailed between 1200 and 1300 A.D. are clearly associated with the formation of drier surfaces dominated by Calluna, Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagnum imbricatum. Pool formation, due to a change to a wetter and/or colder climate, is widespread around 900-950 A.D., 1400-1450 A.D.,and 17501800 A.D., and is correlated closely with known climatic deteriorations. New evidence is presented regarding the recent extinction of SDhagnum imbricatum at the site, and the interactions of, various Sphagnum species, and peat accumulation rates in different microenvironments, are commented upon. In the absence of any evidence for an autogenic cycle of huraocks and hollows, and with the clear demonstration of climatic control over the relative areas of pools and drier surface, the 'Osvald Theory' is rejected. A new theory, the Phasic Theory, is proposed. This states that bog growth occurs in phases closely related to climatic variations, and recognises the importance of phase-shifts to a wetter bog surface which initiate changes in vegetation and peat stratigraphy.
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Published date: 1978
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Local EPrints ID: 458882
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/458882
PURE UUID: 7b05ea44-ce7f-4ec5-a642-a6df216efa50
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Date deposited: 04 Jul 2022 16:57
Last modified: 04 Jul 2022 16:57
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Author:
Keith Edward Barber
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