Soil data and the shape of the lichen growth-rate curve for the Mt Cook area (Note)

Abstract

The Rhizocarpon geographicum growth-rate curve for the Mt Cook area, South Island, New Zealand, has been depicted as being linear with time. However, soil data from the 1890 and 1850 moraines suggest that more than 40 years is required to explain the marked difference between the 2 soils. Hence, it is suggested that the “1850” moraine may be older than reported. This would indicate that the rate of lichen growth could decrease with time; a relationship similar to that derived from many humid mountainous areas of the world.

Keywords:

• lichen growth rate
• Holocene
• soils
• moraines
• Mount Cook
• Rhizocarpon geographicum
• dating