Silting up of a lake - Low-level moor

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There was once a lake in the flat area between the hill on which the historic center of St. Veit is located and the northern mountain slope. From the Bronze Age, for example, there are indications that the roofs of the houses were covered with reeds. However, the lake silted up over time and a fen formed. Although every lake generally silts up over time, this development is only noticeable to us in relatively small and shallow lakes. A lake where you can observe the silting process is lake Goldeggersee.

The silting up process begins with dead plant parts collecting at the bottom of the lake and mud building up. At the same time, land plants are encroaching from the shore. As the lake becomes shallower, the light soon reaches the bottom and more plants grow in the lake. This dense vegetation and higher temperatures reduce oxygen levels, further slowing decomposition. The dead plant remains increase and peat forms. Eventually, moisture-loving trees such as alders and birches also invade the moor and a fen forest can form.