Assessing the peatland hummock-hollow classification framework using high-resolution elevation models: Implications for appropriate complexity ecosystem modelling

The hummock-hollow classification framework used to categorize peatland ecosystem microtopography is pervasive throughout peatland experimental designs and current peatland ecosystem modelling approaches. However, identifying what constitutes a representative hummock-hollow pair within a site and characterizing hummock-hollow variability within or between peatlands remains largely unassessed. Using structure-from-motion (SfM), high resolution digital elevation models (DEM) of hummock-hollow microtopography were used to: 1) examine how much area needs to be sampled to characterize site-level microtopographic variation; and 2) examine the potential role of microtopographic shape/structure on biogeochemical fluxes using data from 9 northern peatlands. This data set is comprised of plot DEMs, supporting data, and the script used to analyze data and produce figures presented in the manuscript submitted to Biogeosciences Discussion "ASSESSING THE PEATLAND HUMMOCK-HOLLOW CLASSIFICATION FRAMEWORK USING HIGH-RESOLUTION ELEVATION MODELS: IMPLICATIONS FOR APPROPRIATE COMPLEXITY ECOSYSTEM MODELLING".