A note on the role of the lichen collema auriforma in solution basin development on a carboniferous limestone substrate

C. A. Moses*, B. J. Smith

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (journal)peer-review

42 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A study carried out on Carboniferous limestone in the north and west of Ireland supports the idea that rock substrate is removed by the direct mechanical action of lichens. An experiment in which the lichen Collema auriforma was subjected to a number of wetting‐drying cycles, showed, using scanning electron microscopy, that contraction of the lichen thallus during the drying phase plucked rock fragments from the substrate surface. This process could contribute to the formation of karstic features including solution basins.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)363-368
Number of pages6
JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms
Volume18
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jun 1993

Keywords

  • Carboniferous limestone
  • Karst Lichen
  • Scanning electron microscopy

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