Abstract
Ombrotrophic peatlands are those that are purely fed by precipitation and are unconnected to groundwaters. Identification of ombrotophic peatlands is of interest because of their utility as a depositional archive, their unique botanical characteristics, and their sensitivity to climate change. Seven high elevation peatlands in the Catskill Mountains of New York state are investigated in this paper; six of these are identified as ombrotrophic bogs and one is determined to be a minerotrophic (groundwater-fed) poor fen. In order to identify these peatlands as ombrotrophic, concentrations of major ions in surface pools are examined; the proportion of calcium and magnesium in surface pools is particularly indicative of ombrotrophy. Average Ca/Mg (mg L−1) ratios in bogs, precipitation, and springs are 4.3, 5.0, and 6.7, respectively. Stable isotopes of water (deuterium and 18O) are examined as well and may provide a novel method of determining the water source to peatlands; peatland isotopic data plot along what appears to be a local evaporation line.
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