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A. Peatland basin analysis: evolution and

structure

Section A deals with the evolution and structure of selected peatland basins, with
emphasis on examples from medium to high latitude. The most recent work done on
the vast boreal to subarctic peatlands of North America and Eurasia is summarized
in two chapters (Chapters 2 and 3) and a first approximation of the potential carbon
release is made, for the eventuality that present global-climatic warming continues.
Setting, structure, geochemistry and usefulness are examined for peatlands from less
well-known localities [mires of the mountainous areas of NW Spain (Chapter 4) and
Tierra del Fuego, Argentina (Chapters 5 and 6)] and are closely tied to geomorpho-
logic features. Finally, the characteristics and plight of a tropical example is included
from South East Asia (Chapter 7).