Ombrogenous mires in Islay and Mull

Abstract

SynopsisThe vegetation and surface structure of two ombrogenous mires from the Inner Hebrides are described. Two-way indicator species analysis and hand sorting of these data are used to identify vegetation communities. The surface patterning of both sites is examined using levelling data which are related to the water table. From this, four significant surface features are recognised: hummock, ridge, hollow and pool. The relationship between the vegetation communities and these features is examined, and the two study sites subsequently compared in terms of these small-scale features. The ombrogenous mires of the Inner Hebrides are then related in the same way to other mire systems described by previous authors.