Characterization of the Kringelmomyra peatland: geotechnical, hydrogeological, and ecological aspects

Priscilla Paniagua; Bjørn Kristian Fiskvik Bache; Simon Ross Stenger; Magni Olsen Kyrkjeeide; Elin Johanne Slettum; Michael Long; Priscilla Paniagua; Bjørn Kristian Fiskvik Bache; Simon Ross Stenger; Magni Olsen Kyrkjeeide; Elin Johanne Slettum; Michael Long

doi:10.3934/geosci.2025029

AIMS Geosciences

2025, Volume 11, Issue 3: 686-703. doi: 10.3934/geosci.2025029

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Characterization of the Kringelmomyra peatland: geotechnical, hydrogeological, and ecological aspects

1.
Geotechnics and Environment, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Professor Brochs gate 12, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
2.
Terrestrial Biodiversity, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, 7034 Trondheim, Norway
3.
Climate and Environment, Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA), Parkgata 81, 2317 Hamar, Norway
4.
School of Civil Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Newstead Building, Belfield Dublin 4, Ireland

Received: 17 February 2025 Revised: 30 June 2025 Accepted: 09 June 2025 Published: 12 August 2025

Peats are abundant in the Northern Hemisphere and tropics, yet soil mechanics traditionally emphasize sands, clays, and silts, often overlooking peats. Despite this, engineering challenges related to peats, such as differential settlements and landslides, impact society. Understanding peat behavior is crucial for addressing modern issues like infrastructure resilience, CO₂ emissions, and climate change adaptation, and for developing less intrusive construction methods that reduce peatland degradation. Kringelmomyra is a peatland in northern Norway where the surcharging method is being used to construct a new highway. This paper presents its geotechnical, hydrogeological, and ecological characteristics, initial quantitative data on potential changes in hydrogeology, and the remaining plant biodiversity resulting from road construction. Geotechnical testing and hydrogeological monitoring reveal complex peat stratification and minimal initial hydrogeological impact. The endangered peat moss Sphagnum venustum was found at the site, highlighting the need to monitor the impact at the site in the coming years. Continued interdisciplinary monitoring is essential to understand long-term effects and ensure sustainable construction practices on peatlands.
- peatland,
- soil investigations,
- vegetation monitoring,
- groundwater measurements
Citation: Priscilla Paniagua, Bjørn Kristian Fiskvik Bache, Simon Ross Stenger, Magni Olsen Kyrkjeeide, Elin Johanne Slettum, Michael Long. Characterization of the Kringelmomyra peatland: geotechnical, hydrogeological, and ecological aspects[J]. AIMS Geosciences, 2025, 11(3): 686-703. doi: 10.3934/geosci.2025029

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Abstract

Peats are abundant in the Northern Hemisphere and tropics, yet soil mechanics traditionally emphasize sands, clays, and silts, often overlooking peats. Despite this, engineering challenges related to peats, such as differential settlements and landslides, impact society. Understanding peat behavior is crucial for addressing modern issues like infrastructure resilience, CO₂ emissions, and climate change adaptation, and for developing less intrusive construction methods that reduce peatland degradation. Kringelmomyra is a peatland in northern Norway where the surcharging method is being used to construct a new highway. This paper presents its geotechnical, hydrogeological, and ecological characteristics, initial quantitative data on potential changes in hydrogeology, and the remaining plant biodiversity resulting from road construction. Geotechnical testing and hydrogeological monitoring reveal complex peat stratification and minimal initial hydrogeological impact. The endangered peat moss Sphagnum venustum was found at the site, highlighting the need to monitor the impact at the site in the coming years. Continued interdisciplinary monitoring is essential to understand long-term effects and ensure sustainable construction practices on peatlands.

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