Lichens play leading role in protection of archaeological features at Bandelier National Monument

What is it about?

Thousands of archaeological features are carved in the soft, friable tuffs of the Pajarito Plateau in New Mexico, leaving them subject to loss by erosion and other natural processes. Lichens and other surface biota provide protection from weather and catalyze chemical reactions at the rock surface that result in the formation of hard, durable crusts that are more resistant to erosion.

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Why is it important?

The biodeteriorative effects of lichens and other microflora on rock art and monuments of rock or stone are well documented, and design responses from resource managers are typically focused on removal. However, this study shows that the level of erosion protection they confer on porous and poorly consolidated rock surfaces can outweigh their biodeteriorative effects.