Assessment of cryptobiotic crust recovery

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Rychert, Robert C.

Source:

Western North American Naturalist, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, Volume 62, Issue 2, p.223-227 (2002)

Call Number:

A02RYC01IDUS

Abstract:

Chlorophyll a and b analyses of cryptobiotic crusts from burned and unburned sites on the Snake River plain provided an estimate of crust recovery. In less than 3 years, chlorophyll a levels were approximately 50% of the unburned reference site. Chlorophyll a/b ratios indicated that the biotic composition of the recovering cryptobiotic crust consisted largely of eukaryotic algae and bryophytes.