摘要：SummaryBioweathering mediated by microorganisms plays a significant role in biogeochemical cycles on global scales over geological timescales. Single processes induced by specific taxa have been described but could rarely be demonstrated for complex communities that dominate whole landscapes. The recently discoveredgrit crustof the coastal Atacama Desert, which is a transitional community between a cryptogamic ground cover and a rock-bound lithic assemblage, offers the unique chance to elucidate various bioweathering processes that occur simultaneously. Here, we present a bioweathering scenario of this biocenosis including processes such as penetration of the lithomatrix, microbial responses to wet-dry cycles, alkalinolysis, enzyme activity, and mineral re-localization. Frequently occurring fog, for example, led to a volume increase of microorganisms and the lithomatrix. This, together with pH shifts and dust accumulation, consequently results in biophysical breakdown and the formation of aterrestrial protopedon, an initial stage of pedogenesis fueled by thegrit crust.Graphical AbstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•A microbial community in the Atacama Desert mediates diverse bioweathering processes•Lichens, algae, and heterotrophic microbes lead to the deterioration of small stones•Detection of swelling actions, shifts in pH, enzyme activity, and mineral transports•Formation of a terrestrial protopedon as initial stage of soil on landscape scaleEarth Sciences; Geomicrobiology; Earth-Surface Processes; Weathering; Biogeoscience
