n-Alkane distributions in ombrotrophic mires as indicators of vegetation change related to climatic variation

Lipid analysis of modern bog vegetation revealed n-alkane distributions for Sphagnum species displaying enhanced abundances of lower chain length homologues (C21–C25). Other plants examined revealed typical higher plant distributions (C29 or C31 maxima). Investigation of a 40 cm peat profile from Bolton Fell Moss, Cumbria, UK showed a varying abundance of the n-C23 homologue down core which appear to be related to vegetation changes, which are presumed to occur as a result of climate variation.