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Fungal weathering of basaltic rocks in a cold oceanic environment (Iceland): comparison between experimental and field observations
Author(s) -
Etienne Samuel,
Dupont Joëlle
Publication year - 2002
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/esp.349
Subject(s) - weathering , basalt , soil production function , geology , frost weathering , earth science , outcrop , frost (temperature) , geochemistry , geomorphology , soil science , soil water , pedogenesis
Abstract 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 fungal effects on rocks and help to define the place of these micro‐organisms 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 subpolar areas. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.