Dataset from analysis of a peat core from the Tielishahan peatland in the Xinjiang Altai Mountains, northwestern China

Created by Zhang, Yan (Fujian Normal University), Yang, Ping (Fujian Normal University), Tong, Chuan (Fujian Normal University), Zhang, Xinyan (Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun), Liu, Xingtu (Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun), Zhang, Shaoqing (Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun), Meyers, Philip (University of Michigan), and
Gao, Chuanyu (Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun)

Description: A high-resolution study of bulk properties in a peat sequence from the Xinjiang Altai Mountains of northwestern China, has allowed reconstruction of local variations in peat properties and peat C and N accumulation rates (CAR and NAR) during the Holocene. Analyses of peat bulk density, loss on ignition, and concentrations of TOC and TN and their elemental ratios and stable isotopic values suggest that changes in peat-forming vegetation types during different parts of this epoch are the major factors responsible for the variations of peat properties in this sequence.

Methodology: A core of peat was collected and its bulk density [BD], loss on ignition [LOI], and concentrations of Total Organic carbon [TOC] and Total Nitrogen {TN] and their elemental ratios and stable isotopic values were measured. Samples were taken at 2 cm intervals from the peat sequence for analysis of their bulk properties. A subset of 196 peat samples was used for measurements of BD and LOI, TOC and TN, and stable C and N isotope compositions. Samples for BD analysis were dried overnight at 105 °C and then combusted in a muffle furnace at 550 °C for 4h for determining the LOI values. Dried bulk samples were used for measuring TOC and TN concentrations using a CHN analyzer, and their C and N isotope compositions were determined using a MAT 253 Isotopic Ratio Mass Spectrometer.

File Inventory:
Supporting Table 1.csv - This file contains the Individual Sample Humification Degrees (HD) and Peat Accumulation Rates (PAR). 
The first column lists the Peat Age of the Sample as calculated by Years Before Present[yr BP]. 
The second column displays the Humification Degrees of each sample calculated as a percentage. 
The third column shows Peat Accumulation Rates as calculated in centimeters per year. 

Supporting Table 2.csv - This file contains the Organic Geochemical Parameter Values of the Individual Samples.
First column lists the Peat Age of the Sample is calculated by Years Before Present[yr BP].
Second column displays the percentage of Total Organic Carbon [TOC].
Third column shows the percentage of Total Nitrogen [TN]. 
Fourth column displays Total Organic Carbon over Total Nitrogen [TOC/TN molar ratios].
Fifth column lists the percentage of Loss On Ignition [LOI].
Sixth column shows Bulk Density [BD in g dry peat/m3 peat].
Seventh column displays 15N/14N nitrogen isotope ratios [delta 15N 0/00]
Eighth column lists 13C/12C carbon isotope ratios [delta 13C 0/00] 
Ninth column shows organic carbon mass accumulation rates [gC/m2/yr]
Tenth column shows total nitrogen mass accumulation rates [gN/m2/yr]

Please cite this data set as follows:
Zhang, Y., Yang, P., Tong, C., Zhang, X., Liu, X., Zhang, S., Meyers, P., Gao, C. (2020) Dataset from analysis of a peat core from the Tielishahan peatland in the Xinjiang Altai Mountains, northwestern China [Data set]. University of Michigan - Deep Blue. https://doi.org/10.7302/3srj-pr33