Publication at Faculty of Science |
2017
Abstract
Our research clearly shows that the studied biologically-initiated rock crust considerably changes the hydraulic properties of sandstone surfaces. It significantly reduces saturated hydraulic conductivity and capillary water absorption, which affects both the infiltration rate and moisture content.
Therefore, biologically-initiated rock crust is sufficient to influence most of the weathering processes controlled by moisture content and flux. However, it was found that the presence of biologically-initiated rock crust has no measurable effect on water vapor permeability.