Fungal weathering of basaltic rocks in a cold oceanic environment (Iceland) : comparison between experimental and field observations.

• Main Authors: Etienne, Samuel, Dupont, Joëlle
• Other Authors: Laboratoire de Géographie Physique et Environnementale (GEOLAB), Université Blaise Pascal - Clermont-Ferrand 2 (UBP)-Institut Sciences de l'Homme et de la Société (IR SHS UNILIM), Université de Limoges (UNILIM)-Université de Limoges (UNILIM)-Université Clermont Auvergne 2017-2020 (UCA 2017-2020 )-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA), Systématique, adaptation, évolution (SAE), Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris 6 (UPMC)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: French
• Published: HAL CCSD 2002
• Subjects: biogenic weathering; periglacial environment; weathering rind; Iceland; basalt; geomorphology; fungi; biodegradation; cold environment; altération biogénique; Islande; géomorphologie; périglaciaire; basalte; champignon; milieux froids; cortex; météorisation; [SHS.GEO]Humanities and Social Sciences/Geography; [SDV.BV.BOT]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Vegetal Biology/Botanics
• Online Access: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00117331

This paper presents evidence for strong biochemical weathering of basaltic outcrops induced by fungal communities in a cold environment. Weathering rind formation is considered to be a consequence of the biological activity. Comparisons between in vitro experiments and in situ observations allow a characterization of fungi effects on rocks and help to define the place of these microorganisms in the cold environment weathering chain. It is concluded that biological weathering is chronologically the first process of weathering, probably leading to the subsequent expression of cryogenic processes. Information presented here suggests the need for reconsideration of the traditional frost-driven morphogenetic system normally considered for sub-polar areas.