Abstract
Lichenometry can be a useful tool to date past events when surface ages are unknown . As a method, lichenometry needs to overcome uncertainties in the understanding of lichen biology . Being fairly ubiquitous, Rhizocarpon geographicum is generally used for dating purposes . Other lichens can and have been used for studies, but are often used in conjunction with R . geographicum . This case study suggests that for areas lacking R . geographicum, Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca may be used as an alternate species if the substrate in question does not have substantial R . geographicum growth . While R . geographicum is well-studied, R . chrysoleuca is not, and growth curves have not been established to any extent close to those for R . geographicum . This study uses an alluvial fan in Rocky Mountain National Park created by a dam breach in 1982 as a preliminary baseline to establish a basic R . chrysoleuca growth curve . Age of the substrate is known and was previously unexposed inside a glacial moraine . Assuming lichen growth began soon after the exposure, and as R . chrysoleuca represents the majority species at the site, a basic growth curve can be established, at least in alpine environments . This initial assessment can potentially aid researchers using lichenometry in alpine environments and, more specifically, where sufficient R . geographicum is not present
Recommended Citation
Shanteau, Jennifer and Allen, Casey D.
(2017)
"Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca as an Alternative Lichenometric Species: a Preliminary Investigation at the Lawn Lake Alluvial Fan, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO USA,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 58:
Iss.
2, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol58/iss2/2