A Markov chain method for simulating bulk density profiles in boreal peatlands

Bulk density is a key determinant of numerous physical characteristics in peat including hydraulic conductivity, smouldering combustion vulnerability, and water retention in the unsaturated zone. A Markov chain model based on peat type (primarily Sphagnum, sedge, and sylvic peats) was applied to the depth-wise structure of boreal peatlands using 143 cores from western Canada as source data. Bulk density and peat type were modelled in 2160 …