Study on the biological communities and bioweathering of the marble surfaces of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven (Beijing, China)

A study of the marble surfaces at Beijing's Temple of Heaven reveals that biological weathering varies significantly by surface orientation, with south-facing surfaces experiencing the most intense degradation. Dominated by aerophytic cyanobacteria and mosses, these communities thrive in calcareous environments, exhibiting distinct compositions based on exposure to sunlight, humidity, and temperature. The research identifies 'Cloud Chi Heads' weathering patterns, linked to micro-topographical features that influence water retention and microbial colonization. Cyanobacteria secrete organic acids, dissolving inorganic salts and progressively eroding the marble. Preventing their growth is critical to mitigating weathering in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tian, Y. (2026). Study on the biological communities and bioweathering of the marble surfaces of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven (Beijing, China). Biogeosciences, 23(1), 205–232. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-205-2026