Runoff from small peatland watersheds

Abstract

Runoff was measured on four forested bog watersheds in northern Minnesota for 5 years. The experimental basins ranged in size from 24 to 130 acres and included both organic and mineral soils. Annual runoff was not evenly distributed. Spring runoff, from the beginning of flow in late March to the 1 st of June, accounted for 66 % of total annual water yield. Summer and fall runoff was normally very low and ceased on most of the bogs during each summer. Annual peak rates of discharge were low and recessions were long, indicating the bogs were effective as storage areas for short-term runoff. However, they were not effective as long-term storage areas or regulators of streamflow.

Citation

Bay, Roger R. 1969. Runoff from small peatland watersheds. Journal of Hydrology. 9: 90-102.