Two Blanket-Bogs in Sutherland

Abstract

This paper describes the vegetation, morphology and physico-chemical conditions of bogs in the extreme north of Scotland. A feature of the vegetation is the presence of Sphagnum imbricatum, whose distribution in the area appears to be associated with the absence of burning. A full list of species is given. The most noticeable feature of the water conditions is the presence of a high electrical conductivity which is shown to be associated with the presence of sodium chloride and attributed to sea-spray carried inland by strong winds. The conductivity is thus highest in the areas nearest the sea. There is some evidence that movements of soil nitrogen take place down the bog slopes. The morphology of the bogs is discussed in detail; they lie on gentle slopes and show systems of pools and furrows which are attributed partly to peat movements. The bogs described most fully form a developmental system illustrating stages in increasing complexity, dessication and erosion.