Studying how bogs ‘breathe’ could help monitor efforts to restore peatlands (West Arkengarthdale Moor/PA)
Using satellite technology to study how bogs “breathe” could help build a better picture of the condition of Scotland’s peatland, experts have said.
New research, published on International Bog Day, demonstrated the potential of measuring bog “breathing” – or peatland surface motions – to monitor the condition of sites, and possibly even carbon emissions from them.
The research is a collaboration between NatureScot – which was previously known as Scottish Natural Heritage – the University of the Highlands and Islands, the University of Nottingham, and Forestry and Land Scotland.
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Satellites track “bog breathing” to help monitor peatlands
Using satellite technology to look at how bogs “breathe” could help build a better picture of peatland condition and restoration progress in Scotland.
New research, published on International Bog Day (July 25
th), demonstrates the potential for measuring “bog breathing” – or peatland surface motion – to monitor restoration sites in future.
A collaboration between the University of Nottingham, NatureScot, Forestry and Land Scotland, and University of the Highlands and Islands, the research uses Interferometric satellite radar (InSAR), which can map the movement of the ground’s surface – a technique developed with University of Nottingham spinout company Terra Motion Ltd.
New research, published on International Bog Day, demonstrated the potential of measuring bog breathing USING satellite technology to study how bogs “breathe” could help build a better picture of the condition of Scotland’s peatland, experts have said. New research, published on International Bog Day, demonstrated the potential of measuring bog “breathing” – or peatland surface motions – to monitor the condition of sites, and possibly even carbon emissions from them. The research is a collaboration between NatureScot – which was previously known as Scottish Natural Heritage – the University of the Highlands and Islands, the University of Nottingham, and Forestry and Land Scotland.
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However, when dried out and sickly they do the opposite, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere and driving global warming.
New research suggests analysing how bogs ‘breathe’ from space could help identify depleted sites and guide restoration work. Picture: Lorne Gill/NatureScot
New research suggests analysing how bogs ‘breathe’ from space could help identify depleted sites and guide restoration work.
The way bogs move, or breathe, can be influenced by many factors, including rainfall, water level, what vegetation grows there, the lie of the land and how it is managed.
Using satellites to measure this motion over time could help scientists assess the state of peatlands and the effectiveness of different repair techniques.
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