GeoLog

cryptobiotic

Imaggeo On Mondays: Contrasting Colors of Pinnacles and Mountains

Imaggeo On Mondays: Contrasting Colors of Pinnacles and Mountains

Despite its rugged appearance of sandstone pinnacles and arches, the ecosystem of Arches National Park in Utah, U.S.A. is very fragile. Beyond the normal ‘high desert’ environment, this beautiful landscape is home to microbial communities in the soil called cryptobiotic crusts. These biological soil crusts are very vulnerable to damage and when harmed they can take years to grow back. These barren ...[Read More]