Ground Water and the Evolution of Patterned Mires, Glacial Lake Agassiz Peatlands, Northern Minnesota

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Abstract
The hydrogeological setting of the Glacial Lake Agassiz Peatlands in Minnesota was investigated by measuring ground-water levels in observation wells, by studies of soil types and thicknesses, and by computer model experiments to simulate ground-water flow. Most ground water circulates along flow paths several kilometers long that pass through the peat column and into the underlying mineral soil. Most ground-water flow is probably caused by the development and persistence of large raised bogs, and occurs because of ground-water mounds (elevated water tables) under the bogs. Lateral bog growth may be limited by the neutralizing of bog water acidity by ground-water discharage (artesian flow) at raised bog margins.