Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Science

Fire can destroy peatlands. But in Australia, it can also help protect them

Peatlands are the unsung heroes of nature. These ancient wetlands form when dead and decaying plants partly decompose in wet, low-oxygen conditions. Over thousands of years, this plant material builds up and turns into a dark, soil-like substance known as peat.

Fire can destroy peatlands. But in Australia, it can also help protect them
Image: Phys.org
Peatlands are the unsung heroes of nature. These ancient wetlands form when dead and decaying plants partly decompose in wet, low-oxygen conditions. Over thousands of years, this plant material builds up and turns into a dark, soil-like substance known as peat.

Originally published at Phys.org

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