Formation
| Fen |
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Fen
Fens generally form in natural basins that have been flooded
and developed into lakes. Plants start to grow around the edges
of these lakes and eventually extend over most of the surface,
often with the only area of open water at the centre or deepest
part. The fen peat forms as plants such as sedges, reeds and
herbs die and accumulate at the bottom of the lake.
In a fen the plants receive their nutrients from groundwater
or from surface runoff. Fen peat is generally thinner than bog
peat and less acidic, often even alkaline, due to the presence
of minerals in the groundwater.
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here to view Fen development animation
