Development of the Hautes-Fagnes peat bogs (Belgium): new perspectives using ground-penetrating radar.

in Suo : Mires and Peat (2000), 51(3), 115-120

Elementverteilung in einem moorprofil (Präboreal bis subatlantikum) im Tal der Helle/Hill (Hohes Venn, Belgien)

in Geoökodynamik (1997), XVIII(2/3), 79-90

This investigation was on the distribution of some elements (Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in a groundwater bog in the Helle/Hill valley in the Hohes Venn, Belgium. The thickness of the ... [more ▼]

This investigation was on the distribution of some elements (Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in a groundwater bog in the Helle/Hill valley in the Hohes Venn, Belgium. The thickness of the deposit is 155 cm. This bog has developed since the Pre Boreal period. The distribution in the lower part of the bog profile is very strongly influenced by water from the adjacent slope which is characterised by a high content of different metals. This resulted in a significant amount of Fe, Ni and Zn and to a lesser degree of Cu and Cd. The metals stem from ore which originated from the nearby Hill valley tonalite. The weathering of the sulphidic ore created sulphuric acid which is responsible for the low pH values of the peat samples. Not only the influence of the local geology and mineralogy is discussed, but also the behaviour of different plants with respect to element uptake and accumulation. Atmospheric input also has an influence, especially on the distribution of the elements in the upper part of the profile. [less ▲]

IS THE PRESENCE OF MESOTROPHIC PLANT-COMMUNITIES IN THE PEAT-BOGS OF HAUTES-FAGNES (BELGIUM) CONNECTED WITH TONALITE INTRUSIONS IN THE REVINIAN LAYERS

in Belgian Journal of Botany (1995), 128(1), 48-56

Within the Hautes-Fagnes Nature Reserve (Belgium) acidic and oligotrophic biotopes are developing on very acidified stony silt raised bogs. However, they are locally dominated by mesotrophic species ... [more ▼]

Within the Hautes-Fagnes Nature Reserve (Belgium) acidic and oligotrophic biotopes are developing on very acidified stony silt raised bogs. However, they are locally dominated by mesotrophic species. Based on the fact that there are several outcrops of tonalite in the region and particularly one in the Nature Reserve, a hypothesis to explain these singularities of the vegetation implies discontinuities of the bedrock provoked by intrusions of this magmatic rock in the Revinian layer covering the region. Seventeen plots containing Phragmites australis were examined and vegetation was described. Silt and soil water were sampled and analyzed for mineral contents in 15 sites. The differences of mineral composition between the P. australis plots and their surrounding environment confirmed the more mesotrophic characteristics of these plots (i.e. higher pH, higher Ca and Mg contents, lower Al content). However, the lower Zn, Pb and Fe contents would lead to reject the hypothesis of intrusions of tonalite since these elements are more abundant in the tonalite and its mineralization than in the Revinian rock. Nevertheless, the overall ecological conditions of the examined plots and the differences of plant species composition suggested that the observed chemical environment could be evoked for explaining the distribution of the mesotrophic species in the oligotrophic environment of the Nature Reserve. Consequently, an alternative hypothesis is proposed. [less ▲]

Quel espoir pour les tourbières hautes assassinées ? L'impact du colmatage des drains, depuis 1966, en Fagnes des Deux-Séries (Réserve Naturelle des Hautes-Fagnes, Membach, Belgique)

in Hautes Fagnes (1991)

Nécessité des études paléoécologiques pour une gestion raisonnée des tourbières hautes

in Région wallonne, conservation de la nature (Ed.) colloque "Gérer la nature?" travaux n° 15 (1990)

A l'exemple des Hautes Fagnes, nous proposons de se baser sur une série d'études paléoécologiques pour entreprendre une gestion raisonnée des tourbières : cartographie et études comparatives de la ... [more ▼]

A l'exemple des Hautes Fagnes, nous proposons de se baser sur une série d'études paléoécologiques pour entreprendre une gestion raisonnée des tourbières : cartographie et études comparatives de la végétation et de son évolution; études hydrologiques de nappes et études paléoécologiques (pollens, macrorestes végétaux, charbons, taux d'humification et datations). Quelques pistes de solutions à la dégradation des tourbières hautes sont proposées. [less ▲]