Biotic weathering of rocks by lichens in Antarctica
Weathering process of rocks in Antarctica can be accelerated by the colonization of lichens, which dominate surface vegetation and endolithic communities respectively in the maritime Antarctic and in Antarctic cold deserts. The effects of lichens on their substrate rocks can be attributed to both ph...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Polar Research Institute of China - PRIC
1999
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://library.arcticportal.org/2170/ http://library.arcticportal.org/2170/1/A901.003.pdf |
| Summary: | Weathering process of rocks in Antarctica can be accelerated by the colonization of lichens, which dominate surface vegetation and endolithic communities respectively in the maritime Antarctic and in Antarctic cold deserts. The effects of lichens on their substrate rocks can be attributed to both physical and chemical causes. As the result of the weathering induced by lichens, the surface corrosion and exfoliation of colonized rocks occur. The mobilization of iron in the rock-forming minerals and the precipitation of poorly ordered iron oxides are investigated. Furthermore, the neoformation of crystalline metal oxalates and secondary clay minerals are identified in the colonized rocks. Due to unique climatic conditions, the biotic weathering process of rocks in Antarctica somewhat differs from that of other regions of the world. |
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