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Class Level and Curriculum Links
Junior Certificate History
Mapping a Fossil Bog Woodland
Bog
deal is the preserved remains of pine trees which once existed
on bogs between 4000 and 5000 years ago. Quite a number of pine
stumps can be exposed in cutaway bog areas due to the removal
of peat by turf cutters. It is possible to map the location of
these pine stumps and get a picture of the tree structure of
the ancient woodland.
You will need
two tape measures at least 25 to 30m long.
a series of bamboo stakes and string.
What to do
Using the tape measures as a guide mark out a square area of
pine stumps measuring 25m2 or 30m2. Drive bamboo stakes into
the 4 corners of the square and tie string between them to act
as a guide.
Locate the pine stumps within the sample area to be mapped. Measure their distance from the horizontal axis first and vertical axis second. Record the distances (these will act as x and y co-ordinates on the map).
Mark each completed stump to avoid replication.
Plot the co-ordinates on graph paper to indicate the position of each pine stump.
Comment on the structure of the ancient pine woodland on bogs. Compare this with a conifer plantation of today.
