Digitalization of boreal peatland - digital solutions for identifying key spatiotemporal processes

Understanding spatiotemporal processes in boreal peatlands is essential to understanding ongoing changes across peatland ecosystem and functions in the northern conditions. We have implemented a new peatland digitalization research program in Puukkosuo fen peatland close to Oulanka Research Station, northeast Finland. Using the latest monitoring technologies, we plan systematically identifying key spatiotemporal processes in this peatland. Our mission is to obtain a detailed understanding of ecohydrological processes coupled with atmospheric gas exchange and peatland ecosystem dynamics on a detailed spatiotemporal scale.  Specifically, our program at the Puukkosuo fen consists of: 1) continuous high-frequency in-situ DOC and ecohydrological monitoring of surface and groundwater, 2) extensive and continuous drone mapping to measure spatial variability in hydrological connectivity, vegetation, and snow accumulation and cover, 3) eddy-covariance and chamber measurements of greenhouse gas exchanges, 4) detailed 3D mapping of peat and underlying geology, and 5) 3D fully integrated modelling approaches allowing future projections. Using this integrated monitoring and modelling approach, we build digital platform for Puukkosuo peatland and pave the way to developing and testing Digital Twin approaches for peatland research and management needs.