A peat profile record of recent environmental events in the South Pennines (UK)

Hutchinson, SM; Armitage, RP

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of
accidental fires and the record of recent environmental
change held within a long peat core taken on Burbage
Moor in the south Pennines (UK). The core has been
subjected to mineral magnetic, heavy metal (via
inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy)
and radiometric analyses. It may be subdivided
into three zones reflecting the infilling of a basin-like
depression and reveals pre-industrial conditions and the
impact of recent atmospheric particulate pollution. Peak
concentrations of heavy metals are relatively high (e.g.,
peak Pb concentration is 1,124 mg kg−1). However, the
mineral magnetic and heavy metal depth profiles may
have been affected by post-depositional changes. The
core has been influenced by drainage and a number of
moor fires. The area was extensively burnt in 1976,
though assessing the impact of this event is problematic,
due to the perturbed nature of the profile and the
inability to provide a reliable chronology.

Citation

Hutchinson, S., & Armitage, R. (2009). A peat profile record of recent environmental events in the South Pennines (UK). Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 199(1-4), 247-259. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-008-9875-9

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2009
• Deposit Date: Dec 21, 2011
• Journal: Water, Air, and Soil Pollution
• Print ISSN: 0049-6979
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 199
• Issue: 1-4
• Pages: 247-259
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-008-9875-9
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11270-008-9875-9