peat, fuel consisting of spongy material formed by the partial decomposition of organic matter, primarily plant material, in wetlands such as swamps, muskegs, bogs, fens, and moors.

Where is peat soil found?

Peat soils occur in all regions, but they are more widespread in the temperate and cold zones of the Northern Hemisphere. There are 12.2 M ha (million hectare) peatlands in Africa, 23.5 M ha in Asia and the Far East, 7.4 M ha in Latin America, 4.1 M ha in Australia, 117.8 M ha in North America and 75.0 M ha in Europe.

How do you get peat?

Peat formation is the result of incomplete decomposition of the remains of plants growing in waterlogged conditions. This may happen in standing water (lakes or margins of slow flowing rivers) or under consistently high rainfall (upland or mountain regions).