Biological weathering: a critical review from geomorphology and climatology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54288/yotantsipanko.v5i2.59Keywords:
Geomorphology, Climate, Scientific terminology, Earth science, EnvironmentAbstract
This article questions the appropriateness of considering “biological weathering” as an autonomous category within rock alteration processes. Based on a critical review of geomorphological and geological literature, it is argued that living organisms — from roots to microorganisms — do not generate a new type of weathering, but rather act as facilitators or intensifiers of pre-existing physical and chemical processes, which are ultimately driven by long-term climate. Furthermore, the logical inconsistency of classifying biological activity as a “type of weathering” without similarly categorizing other transformative agents — such as earthquakes, glaciers, or meteorite impacts — is discussed. The article proposes replacing the term “biological weathering” with more precise expressions, such as biological facilitation of weathering or biogeomorphological intervention, which acknowledge biological influence without compromising the conceptual coherence of the established geological framework.
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