The hydrology of several peat deposits in northern Minnesota, U.S.A.

Abstract

A comprehensive peatland hydrology study has provided data on the climate, hydrogeology, water table levels, and run-off from forested peat deposits in northern Minnesota. Groundwater studies identified two types of hydrogeologic situations-perched bogs, independent of the underground flow system, and groundwater bogs, which were influenced by storage changes in the surrounding groundwater basin. Because the water tables are near the surface in undisturbed bogs, they are important in peatland hydrology. Bog water table levels indicated storage opportunity, and their reaction to precipitation was influenced in part by the type of peat material in the zone of active fluctuation. Run-off was not evenly distributed. Most of the annual water yield occurred in spring before June 1, while summer and fall water yields were generally low. Run-off was directly related to water level in the peat deposits.

Citation

Bay, R.R. 1968. The hydrology of several peat deposits in northern Minnesota, U.S.A. In: Proceedings of the third international peat congress. Quebec, Canada: National Research Council of Canada: 212-218.