Formation
| Blanket
bog |
 |
Blanket Bogs
Blanket bogs usually form in upland areas above 200m with heavy
rainfall and low temperatures. Because of the undulating nature
of this ground, the thickness of peat can vary between 1m and
6m. Like raised bogs, blanket bogs receive their nutrients from
rainwater and the atmosphere, and are also acidic.
Blanket peat began to form in Ireland around 5,000 years ago.
As rain seeped down through the soil it deposited a thin layer
of iron, known as the iron pan, in the soil. As this layer of
iron built up, it prevented water from passing through, so the
soil above became waterlogged. The wet conditions and lack of
oxygen allowed peat to form and cover extensive areas of land,
like a blanket - hence the name.
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