From the ashes: Hydrological and biogeochemical responses to wildfire in temperate peatlands

Summary

Peatlands are defined by their thick, organic soil layers, providing valuable ecosystems services such as storing carbon, and regulating climate and water quality. However, these important services are being disrupted by extreme wildfires and droughts, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. My research focused on two temperate peatlands in northwestern Europe, a region not often studied for wildfire impacts. I investigated how wildfires influence ash production and characteristics, the movement of metals and nutrients, and water chemistry in these post-fire landscapes. This work helps fill important knowledge gaps regarding physical and chemical responses to wildfire in temperate peatlands through space and time. Understanding these processes helps us predict how peatlands may respond to future wildfire events, and can guide management and restoration efforts to keep these ecosystems functioning and resilient as the climate changes.