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Observations on 16 years of microfloral recolonization data from limestone surfaces, Aldabra Atoll, Indian Ocean: implications for biological weathering
Author(s) -
Viles H. A.,
Spencer T.,
Teleki K.,
Cox C.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
earth surface processes and landforms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9837
pISSN - 0197-9337
DOI - 10.1002/1096-9837(200011)25:12<1355::aid-esp143>3.0.co;2-t
Subject(s) - weathering , atoll , colonization , reef , geology , oceanography , environmental science , ecology , geochemistry , biology
A rich microflora community (or biofilm) dominated by cyanobacteria coats most exposed rock surfaces (in both marine and terrestrial environments) in the tropics. Such biofilms are thought to play a role in weathering, crust formation and nutrient cycling. An initial, short‐term study (1982–83) of microfloral colonization on 0·1 × 0·1 m cleared plots on Quaternary reef limestones on Aldabra Atoll revealed considerable variability in colonization rates, with wetter sites and softer rocks prone to more luxuriant growths. This paper reports on further studies of colour, biomass and effects of the developing microfloral communities from almost 100 out of the c . 300 original plots which were revisited in 1998. Many sites still show limited colonization. Where a microfloral community has re‐established, weathering effects are notable and consistent with those found on surrounding rock. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.