Biogeosciences
Biogeosciences
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Articles | Volume 23, issue 12
Articles | Volume 23, issue 12
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-4113-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-4113-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Articles | Volume 23, issue 12
Research article
 | 
22 Jun 2026
Research article |  | 22 Jun 2026

How does biotic weathering work? Influence of alpine plants on rock temperature and rock moisture

Oliver Sass, Urte Bauer, Anke Jentsch, and Thomas Deola

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Short summary
Weathering at steep rocky slopes is influenced by rock temperature and moisture which are both modified by plants. We used novel methods to measure rock moisture distribution. Plant cover was found to reduce temperature fluctuations while rock moisture increases under plant cover providing favourable sites for further vegetation establishment. We assume that plant cover reduces temperature weathering but enhances chemical weathering and crack formation through increased moisture.
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