Title: Biological Soil Crusts in the Mojave Desert, USA: Micromorphology and Pedogenesis
Abstract: Soil Science Society of America JournalVolume 76, Issue 5 p. 1685-1695 Pedology Biological Soil Crusts in the Mojave Desert, USA: Micromorphology and Pedogenesis Amanda J. Williams, Corresponding Author Amanda J. Williams [email protected] Dep. of Geoscience currently, School of Life Sciences Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV, 89154-4004Corresponding author ([email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorBrenda J. Buck, Brenda J. Buck Dep. of Geoscience, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV, 89154-4010Search for more papers by this authorMengesha A. Beyene, Mengesha A. Beyene Dep. of Geoscience, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV, 89154-4010Search for more papers by this author Amanda J. Williams, Corresponding Author Amanda J. Williams [email protected] Dep. of Geoscience currently, School of Life Sciences Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV, 89154-4004Corresponding author ([email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorBrenda J. Buck, Brenda J. Buck Dep. of Geoscience, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV, 89154-4010Search for more papers by this authorMengesha A. Beyene, Mengesha A. Beyene Dep. of Geoscience, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV, 89154-4010Search for more papers by this author First published: 12 September 2012 https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2012.0021Citations: 84 All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Permission for printing and for reprinting the material contained herein has been obtained by the publisher. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are bio-sedimentary complexes that play critical ecological roles in arid landscapes; however, the interactions between component biota and sediments are poorly understood. A detailed micromorphological investigation of BSC development and crust microstructure in the Muddy Mountains Wilderness Area, Nevada, examined features in thin section using petrographic microscopy, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The >1800 microscopic observations were linked to crust macroscale features and soil geomorphology. Complex bio-sedimentary structures of BSCs reflect a dynamic genetic history and diverse formative processes, including: (i) stabilization and authigenic mineral precipitation; (ii) wetting–drying and expansion–contraction; (iii) dust capture; (iv) microscale mass wasting; and (v) vesicular (Av) horizon formation. A new conceptual model for hot deserts illustrates how these processes co-develop with BSC succession, during countless wet–dry cycles, to build up pinnacle microtopography while simultaneously forming Av horizons in the bio-rich and bio-poor zones. Complex surficial and internal bio-sedimentary structures, which vary as a function of crust morphology, trap surface water for uptake by crust organisms, while dust influx provides a source of nutrients. These phenomena influence landscape-scale water dynamics and biogeochemical cycling, increasing the availability of soil resources during times of biotic stress. Biological soil crusts uniquely facilitate the accumulation, morphology, and ecosystem function of dust and should, therefore, be considered critical agents in arid pedogenesis and landscape development. Citing Literature Volume76, Issue5September 2012Pages 1685-1695 RelatedInformation
Publication Year: 2012
Publication Date: 2012-09-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 104
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