Abstract:

Saxicolous species of lichens are able to induce and accelerate weathering of their rock substrates, and effects of lichens on substrates can be attributed to both physical and chemical causes. This paper is focused on biotic weathering actions of epilithic and endolithic species on the different rock types (sandstones and volcanogenic rocks) in Antarctica. The patterns, mechanisms, processes and neoformations of rock weathering attribute to lichen colonization are expounded in detail. Furthermore, it is pointed out that, for a better undrstanding of the impacts of lichens on environments the studies on the rate of biotic weathering and the comprehensive involvement of the lichen effects on weathering of natural rocks remain to be carried out in Antarctica.