The role of natural soil pipes in water and carbon transfer in and from peatlands

Holden, J.; Smart, R.P.; Chapman, P.J.; Baird, A.J.; Billett, M.F.. 2009 The role of natural soil pipes in water and carbon transfer in and from peatlands. In: Baird, Andrew J.; Belyea, Lisa R.; Comas, Xavier; Reeve, A.S.; Slater, Lee D., (eds.) Carbon Cycling in Northern Peatlands. Washington DC, American Geophysical Union, 251-264, 14pp. (Geophysical Monograph Series, 184).

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract/Summary

Natural piping has been reported in peatlands around the world. This chapter reviews the role of natural pipes in peatland hydrology and carbon fluxes. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that pipes are important hydrological agents in peatlands typically delivering over 10% of streamflow. Deep and shallow pipes respond rapidly to rainfall inputs demonstrating strong connectivity with the peat surface. While ephemeral pipes respond quickly to rainfall events, they also appear to obtain water from deep peat layers and underlying mineral strata. This mix of different sources of water results in highly variable concentrations of dissolved organic carbon and dissolved carbon dioxide and methane within pipe water. Early results from an intensive monitoring study in a blanket peatland in northern England suggest that pipe flows may account for around half of the dissolved organic carbon that is delivered to the stream network. Episodic pulses of particulate organic carbon from pipe outlets are common during storm events. Work that is underway to understand more about the sources of carbon being released from pipe networks is outlined, and several areas of further research are highlighted including examination of the role of natural pipes in bog pool hydrology and carbon cycling.

Item Type:	Publication - Book Section
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Biogeochemistry > BG01 Measuring and modelling trace gas, aerosol and carbon > BG01.2 Carbon
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Billett (to November 2013)
ISBN:	9780875904498
Additional Keywords:	Peat, hydrology, organic carbon
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Hydrology
Date made live:	12 Apr 2010 14:20 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/9252

Actions (login required)

View Item

Document Downloads

More statistics for this item...