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Peat deposits form in a special type of fresh-water lake called a bog, moor, or muskeg. These lakes form well in recently glaciated regions where the surface topography has not been modified by stream erosion. The bogs develop best where abundant precipitation and freezing temperatures prevail during much of the year.
The shoreward areas are covered by a floating mass of vegetation which extends into the open water and creates a false bottom. As the plant debris breaks down, certain components such as the resins and waxes which are more resistant remain to form the peat. Peat is mainly composed of partially decayed grasses, mosses, and other woody plants. Peat is brown, contains shreds of plant tissue, and is porous.
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