6) Peat Swamp Forests Notes
Peat Swamp Forests
- Peat forms in tropical regions where evapotranspiration exceeds mean precipitation annually.
- Peatlands accumulate partially decayed organic matter (peat) from plant debris in waterlogged conditions.
- Greatest peat depths and carbon stores are in peat swamp forests (PSF) at low altitudes in Southeast Asia.
- PSF started developing around 7000 YBP due to sea level decline and vegetation expansion.
- Sediment accumulates at river mouths, forming lagoons.
- Mangroves establish, increasing sediment deposit.
- Litter raises an organic layer, leading to peat accumulation.
- Peat accumulates over time, forming a dome.
Peat Dome Characteristics
- Dependent on precipitation ('ombrotrophic').
- Consists of 65% or more of organic matter.
- Water is very acidic (pH < 4) due to lack of mineral input and leaching of organic compounds.
Vegetation
- Vegetation changes along peat formation.
- High species count: 927 species of flowering plants and ferns in Brunei and Sarawak.
- Common species traits: defence compounds (latex, essential oils, resins, tannins, phenols) due to low nutrient levels.