What is bog?

A bog is a type of wetland ecosystem characterized by wet, spongy, and acidic soil. Bogs are formed by the accumulation of dead plant material, such as sphagnum moss, over thousands of years. They generally have a low nutrient content and are often dominated by mosses, heathers, and sedges. Due to their high water content and low oxygen levels, bogs provide a unique habitat for specialized plant and animal species, many of which are adapted to survive in challenging conditions. The carbon-rich soils of bogs are valuable for carbon storage and have been found to play an important role in mitigating climate change. However, bogs are also a vulnerable ecosystem that can be easily damaged by human activities such as drainage, pollution, and peat extraction.