Changes in Vegetation Composition During the Development of Fens in the Glaciodepressions of Austrumkursa Highland, Southern Latvia

Authors:
Eliza Kuske, Laimdota Kalnina, Aija Cerina

Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress

Venue:
Stockholm

Keywords:
elki-mire, lake-terrestrialisation, peat-botanical-composition, viki-mire

Documentfile:
Kuske et al 2012: Changes in Vegetation Composition During the Development of Fens in the Glaciodepressions of Austrumkurs

Summary:

Theme I.  Inventory, stratigraphy and conservation of mires and peatlands

SUMMARY

The study was carried out in two fens Viki and Elki, located in the glacial depressions of southern Latvia with an aim to reconstruct the vegetation composition changes in fens formed as a result of lake terrestrialisation. Field studies, including coring and deposit sampling were carried out in both fens that have formed approximately 8000 cal. years ago. Peat samples were analysed according to their botanical composition, decomposition degree, pollen content, plant macro remains and 14C dating. The results obtained allow to conclude that the variety of vegetation and peat botanical composition of fens depend mainly on local conditions and influences, and less on the variety and changes in regional climate.