The Sunkhaze Peatland Complex Introduction Peatlands develop from a unique set of conditions. Interaction between the bedrock and surficial geology, climate, geomorphology, hydrology, and hydrogeology under the appropriate conditions provides the required environment for the growth and accumulation of peat. Maine, due to its past and present climate and geologic history, has provided an excellent environment for the development of peat deposits. Formed in low-lying wetland areas, peatlands are characterized by acidic conditions. Vegetation becomes partly decomposed under waterlogged, oxygen-depleted conditions and new vegetation grows upon the old.
Maine has a vast number of peat deposits.
Many of these peatlands were studied during the Maine Peat Resource Evaluation program in the early 1980's. Over 233 peat deposits were investigated and visited as a part of this program. Geologic Setting for Maine Peat Deposits Maine is part of the Northern Appalachian physiographic province. Bedrock of the Appalachians has been subjected to several episodes of folding and faulting as well as millions of years of weathering, which have resulted in rounded mountains and well-established drainage patterns. Much of Maine s bedrock is covered by sediments deposited during the episodes of glaciation that occurred in the last hundred thousand years.