Acrotelm
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The acrotelm is one of two distinct layers in undisturbed peat bogs. It overlies the catotelm. The boundary between the two layers is defined by the transition from peat containing living plants (acrotelm) to peat containing dead plant material (catotelm). This typically coincides with the lowest level of the water table. To lower the water table before harvesting, ditching is performed first.
Fluctuations in the position of the water table in a peat bog occur within the acrotelm, and hence conditions may vary from aerobic to anaerobic with time.[1]
Where there are extensive geological fluctuations in the peatland surface, the depth of the acrotelm may change fundamentally over a couple of meters of distance.[2] In general, the acrotelm has a higher hydraulic conductivity and a lower bulk density than the catotelm.[2] Other characteristics are shared by these two zones.[3]
