Bog

wetland · peat · sphagnum moss · carbon storage

Mossy buildup. Bogs form when layers of dead plants, especially sphagnum moss, pile up over thousands of years and turn into a dark, spongy material called peat. This happens because the wet, acidic conditions in bogs slow down the normal decomposition process.

Super soggy ground. Bogs are wetlands that stay waterlogged almost all the time, making them springy and bouncy to walk on. The sphagnum moss acts like a giant sponge, holding water and creating that characteristic squelchy feeling.

Carbon storage champions. Bogs are incredibly important for the planet because they trap and store carbon from dead plants underground. This helps reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and makes bogs valuable in fighting climate change.

Specialized plants thrive. Bogs support unique plants like heather and heath shrubs that have adapted to survive in acidic, nutrient-poor conditions. Many of these plants are found nowhere else on Earth, making bogs botanical treasure troves.

Many names worldwide. Different regions call bogs by different names: mire, mosses, quagmire, and muskeg in cold areas. Fens are similar wetlands but less acidic, and bayheads are a special type of bog found in the forests of the Gulf Coast.