Scienceenvironment
Satellite model reveals Alpine peatlands are smaller than mapped
Alpine peatlands are typically small, fragmented, and difficult to access, leaving current databases lacking in accurate, up-to-date information regarding their true extent and environmental condition. An international team of researchers, which includes scientists from the University of Göttingen, has developed an innovative cross-border modeling approach utilizing satellite data to map these vital ecosystems more precisely. When comparing their model against official maps, the researchers discovered that many Alpine peatlands are significantly smaller than previously recorded, especially in locations showing visible signs of disturbance in aerial photographs.