Biopitting is a geologic phenomenon that occurs when small pits are created in rock as a result of the bioerosion induced by different organisms and/or microorganisms (for example, fungi, bacteria, algae, lichens). This phenomenon occurs when the organisms grow on or near the surface of rocks.
Etymology.
The terms "biopit" and "biopitting" were introduced in 1981 to describe biologically induced decay phenomena. The terms have since been adopted by other authors to describe similar occurrences.
Physical Process.
Biopits are classified according to origin, shape (irregular, circular, ovoid), surface size (3 mm to 15 mm), and depth (range 1 to 5 mm).
Biopit formation by fungal organisms occurs via active penetration of the rock without previous activity by other organisms or physicochemical decay. The resulting bioerosion process occurs in several stages.
Following the initial invasive attachment and growth, biomass increase and turgor pressure from the expanding hyphae can promote the loosening of rock crystals, which will eventually fall off of the main rock formation. These events occur in a progressive fashion, creating continuous cycles of penetration-decohesion-material loss and eventually leading to the appearance of multiple pits in the rock surface.
Since different organisms grow at varied rates, and in an assortment of growth patterns, the type and shape of the resulting biopits often corresponds to the fungal taxa present in the rock.
References.
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